Do whatever it takes to get yourself a ticket
Tape Face is returning to his roots at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with a ‘best of’ show set in his dilapidated dressing room before the show we are watching begins. Immediately, you’re grabbed by the dramatic use of sound and lighting cues which play with expectations and often provide laughs on their own. The music is a perfect mix of stylish and moody numbers and recognisable cheese, from the Jackson 5 to Nena.
Sam Wills performs with unbelievable ease and skill, effortlessly building rapport with both his audience and his participants. He is so expressive that charm and character seem to ooze from the tips of his often twitching fingers. Tape Face’s command of his art form is truly masterful.
The sheer brilliance of this show, though, comes from its sense of play; the whole thing feels like a huge game of pretend. From the wonderful handmade props to the silly costumes, the imagination and attention to detail will fill you to the brim with childish glee. Tape Face will leave even the most stone-faced grown up grinning like a kid at Christmas.
I can’t in good conscience tell you any more about the show. Trust me. Look up from your phone, tablet or computer. Make eye contact with the first human you see. Take them by the hand, tell them that they’ll thank you later and then do whatever it takes to get yourselves a ticket. Sell a kidney if you have to, you don’t really need two anyway.
