Scott Purvis-Armour reviews a witty yet uneven production that’s still ‘a quintessential Fringe experience.’
Edinburgh is a city of quick changes: the ancient bricks of the Royal Mile flash into the glass modernity of Waverley in a single step; as quickly as a cheerful sky has smiled on Princes Street, it has grimaced into a frown of rain.
Now, two-time Olivier Award nominee Arturo Brachetti’s quick change show Solo invites Fringe audiences into the madcap world of his childhood imagination, the TV shows that inspired him and the people he knew growing up. The result is a witty hour of impressive magic, circus skills and funny sketches which offers more instant gratification in every minute than a scroll through TikTok.
The spritely Brachetti is part-Willy Wonka and part Weimar Emcee: in the space of a minute, he transforms from the Hulk to Batman to Wonder Woman with the speed of The Flash. Although much of this vaudeville circus show aims to appeal to younger audiences, there are some touching moments in Brachetti’s treatment of his past - in one quiet moment, he spins with the disembodied dress of his mother in a haunting, enchanting and beautiful music box dance of the past which will strike at adult sensitivities.
Sadly, the piece it is at times uneven. Brachetti’s use of lasers is incredible, and his exquisite sand-art projections are transcendental.
His puerile sense of humour is less impressive. Whilst younger audiences might laugh at the idea of a happy little bird making a happy little mess, watching her flash Prince Charming feels awkwardly inappropriate for a show with giggling in the audience.
Still, Solo is a quintessential Fringe experience: a charming celebration of the strange, the creative and the international, Brachetti has created an entertaining and whimsical world full of light and colour which will delight audiences of all ages.
Arturo Brachetti: SOLO performs at the Pleasance at EICC until August 25, 2024 (no performance on the 21st).
RSS