Edinburgh Fringe 2009
Low Down
Review
Like the best of crime fiction, this piece of writing and performance has it all; mean moody streets, low down bums and thugs, a substantial body count, lots of bad guys and even more dead ones. All the action, all the atmosphere, the settings and the visuals are created and worked in front of your eyes by the extraordinarily gifted and hardworking Joe Bone, crucially supported by Ben Roe plucking the atmosphere crackling out of the air.
With all the elements of Marlowe-esque crime fiction,Bone produces a bravura performance unlikely to be bettered at this year’s Fringe. He creates and performs all the characters, in a display which epitomises all that is great about the Fringe.
A cleverly plotted piece of vengeful angel, walking on the wild side, cutting a brutal swathe through the unpleasant underbelly on the other side of the tracks. It is brilliantly acted, impeccably timed. It grabs you from the moment you hear the predictably gravelly voiced Bruce Bane, and never lets you go. Its a concentrated mixture of energy, control, range and depth from a young performer who is a star in the making.
And like all good film noir, the piece draws you in, implicates you in the action, makes you laugh and squirm. And leaves you hungry for more. It really is that good.
Criticisms? Yes, sometimes the writing descends into crude innuendo the best of the genre always avoids; letting the music speak longer would give us time to catch our breath and keep up with Bruce as he weaves his way around the city, and the bodies pile up in his wake.
This performance represents all that is so exciting, energising and enthralling about Fringe theatre. Do yourself a favour and get a ticket. You don’t want Bruce Bane calling on you.
