The Edinburgh Fringe is increasingly awash with solo shows – primarily because of spiralling accommodation costs. And for these solo performers, there is always a challenge to find varied and creative devices to engage the audience when there’s only one person on stage for 55 minutes. In this regard, Buff breaks no new ground. In fact, the play relies on a very simple traditional approach – one performer playing a single role in dialogue with a range of other imagined characters.
While the play might have an LGBTQ+ target audience, it sheds some light on what it means for all of us to navigate life’s complexities
The play is nicely directed by Scott LeCrass, and the script by Ben Fensome is well-written.
It is a linear narrative, following the life of a young male primary school teacher as he navigates the challenges of adult life – while dealing with two major obstacles: homophobia and dysmorphia.
By now, thanks to our increasing willingness to discuss these issues, these themes are very familiar in today’s theatre. And Fensome explores them with particular sensitivity. We become aware that the protagonist is suffering from complex trauma. We see the effects this has on him and those around him. We also witness how he develops coping behaviours in order to mask or sooth the unresolved trauma.
The main thing that sets this production apart is the outstanding performance by Pearse Egan. He endows the character with warmth, vulnerability, insecurity, joy and frustration. His suffering and hope are relentless. We really care about him because we experience both his excitement and flaws. And because we care about him and we care about what happens to him, we are fully engaged in the story throughout.
This play is proof that the most dependable 'device' to engage an audience for 55 minutes is a good performance.
Going to the theatre is often our way of understanding ourselves. And while the play might have an LGBTQ+ target audience, it sheds some light on what it means for all of us to navigate life’s complexities.
It’s also very funny. Definitely worth a watch.