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Fleabag

Maddie Rice has been put into a difficult position with performing this script. Fleabag is inextricably associated with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who wrote and performed the previous Fringe show later taken up by the BBC. On top of this, Waller-Bridge’s infamous television sensation announced its second series this week, further reminding everyone of its first leading lady. These contexts do give the performance space a real buzz before it begins, and the production never had to worry about sales, but Rice will ever be compared to the original Fleabag.

Fleabag still feels exciting back in the theatre, and this performance will engage you

The character known only as Fleabag is sex obsessed. Being desired by others is all-encompassing, and it's the only coping mechanism she has when all around her - her family, best friend, guinea-pig themed cafe - crumbles. She is a compelling antiheroine: charismatic, witty, and dirty, with moments of repulsive behaviour which suddenly alienate the entire room. Rice revels in the switches in Fleabag’s behaviour and manipulates audience response with natural ease. Her Fleabag is more naive than Waller-Bridge’s, and appears a character only pretending to be world-weary. But Rice has lost some of the grit, the unsettling edginess which Fleabag audiences once felt.

The script for the show is not identical to the television, of course. The prying camera, which feels so revolutionary in Fleabag on screen, is simply the intimacy of a soliloquy when live. There are no other performers, though voices from some are heard over speakers. Yet there are lines which are present in both, and feel oddly like ventriloquism in Rice’s voice. These often get the biggest laughs from the audience - they are brilliant lines - but jarringly takes us out of the world of the theatre. The most exciting moments are when the narrative differs. Then we really pay attention to Rice’s own gift for storytelling.

Fleabag is vulnerable at times, and in one particularly revealing cry says to that ‘Either everyone feels like this - a little bit - or I'm totally alone, and that's not a joke.’ We won't all find Fleabag as relatable as others will, but moments of truth come through regardless. Fleabag still feels exciting back in the theatre, and this performance will engage you whether you are a fan of the television series or have never seen it and are on the hunt for compelling female characters. 

Reviews by Lily Lindon

Assembly George Square Theatre

David O'Doherty: Big Time

★★★★
Roundabout @ Summerhall

Scorch

★★★★
Underbelly, George Square

Fleabag

★★★★
Pleasance Courtyard

Kiri Pritchard-McLean: Appropriate Adult

★★★★
Underbelly Med Quad

Joan

★★★

Since you’re here…

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You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
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Performances

Location

The Blurb

Phoebe Waller-Bridge's play that inspired the hit BBC show is back. 'Today I am going to be a new person. No more slutty pizzas. No more porny wanks. Lots more lovely threesomes. Go!' The Fleabag bites back. A rip-roaring account of some sort of a female living her sort of life. DryWrite and Soho Theatre's multi award-winning play returns for one week only. 'Sucker punch funny. I've never seen a play quite like it' ***** (Scotsman). 'Finely polished and filthy as ever' ***** (Guardian). 'Charming, fearless and painfully funny' ***** (Telegraph). 'Funny, flirty and awfully filthy' ***** (Metro).
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