Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King
Life by the Throat

Life By The Throat tells the life story of James Joseph Patrick Keogh. Written and performed by Eve Steele in a one-person one-act monologue, the play follows Keogh’s life from birth onwards, cataloguing his many failures and few successes. In this engrossing production, Steele captures the essence of Keogh’s dark character with total sincerity and empathy, bringing the character to life in the simplest way imaginable: standing alone on the stage, evoking their story.

There is never a moment that does not feel out of place

Beginning with Keogh’s birth, Steele’s performance begins in darkness, standing completely still as they describe those first moments of life. While the scene is poignant, it also immediately establishes the dark sense of humour of the story. From there the play follows Keogh’s strange childhood, his moments of pride and darker moments both of personal criminality and adult encounters. The play is told entirely through Steele’s monologue, who commands the stage with such ferocity and skill that one is sure to be swept away. Keogh is a habitual thief, a nasty character in many ways, but both through Steele’s sympathetic portrayal, and through learning about his early life experiences, it’s remarkable how empathetic he becomes. Either through his own personal charisma as a character or through Steele’s performance, Keogh is likeable (for the most part), both as an understandable character and one that makes the audience laugh.

The stage is bare, with only lights used every so often to reflect a changing setting, and music is sometimes used for party scenes. Otherwise, there is nothing on the stage but Steele herself. Steele not only transforms into Keogh, she also transforms the stage around her. The script invokes the locations and scenarios to the point that you could almost see the people and situations playing out in front of you. Everything from a car crash to a court hearing to a scene of domestic violence is described both with enough imagery to recreate the scene in the imagination, and not too much description that it drags the scene down. The script is tightly written and naturalistic, bringing the characters to life in a way that great monologue performances should. Steele makes use of the stage perfectly, dancing and walking around with fluidity. There is never a moment that does not feel out of place. Never a movement that feels overdone or silly.

Life By The Throat manages both to tell the bittersweet story of an intriguing and sometimes darkly humorous character, and provide a truly entertaining hour of dramatic pathos. A character that actually does seize “life by the throat”, Keogh is a truly great theatrical figure. Steele imbues in him a life that is a must-see for anyone looking for a darker and more dramatic experience this Fringe.

Reviews by Euan Brook

Pleasance Courtyard

The Death Hilarious: Razer

★★★
Assembly Roxy

KID_X

★★★★
PBH's Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth

Horror – Gothic Tales and Dark Poetry

★★★★
Laughing Horse @ The Raging Bull

Full Moon Cabaret

★★★★★
Just The Tonic at the Caves

Bad Clowns: Cult Classic

★★★★
Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose

Vampire Hospital Waiting Room

★★★★★

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

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.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

Performances

Location

The Blurb

This is the story of one man's life – written and performed by a woman. James Joseph Patrick Keogh is a force to reckon with. Born into poverty and madness, he survives on wit, laughter and ingenious schemes. But whether it's sprinting on sports day, chasing oblivion or running away from cops, a crash is sure to come. Question is, will he survive it? Former Coronation Street actor turned award-winning writer Eve Steele channels the life of this remarkable individual in a celebration of the men she's known, loved and wanted to punch in the face.
Buy cheap tickets for Book Of Mormon
Buy cheap tickets for The Lion King

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for Phantom of the Opera
Phantom of the Opera

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Marriage of Figaro
The Marriage of Figaro

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Only Fools And Horses
Only Fools And Horses

From £33.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Cabaret
Cabaret

From £37.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Guys and Dolls
Guys and Dolls

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for The Buddha of Suburbia
Buy cheap tickets for Mary Queen of Scots
Buy cheap tickets for Waiting for Godot
Buy cheap tickets for Juno and the Paycock
Buy cheap tickets for Why Am I So Single
Buy cheap tickets for Lonely Londoners
Buy cheap tickets for Cyrano
Buy cheap tickets for The Elixir of Love
Buy cheap tickets for Second Best
Buy cheap tickets for Phantom of the Opera