Issy Cory
Dr. Eavis is welcoming another group of four participants to a clinical drug trial taking course over five Sundays. Enter: Yaz, Mitch, Duggan, and Bathsheba (yes, that’s her real name). Strangers to each other, and with none of them having read the literature for the trial, they’re going into this with very little knowledge of what’s to come.
When the wifi stops working, the group are forced to speak to one another, rather than playing games on their phones. As allegiances are made, symptoms are felt, and tensions rise, Dr. Eavis has quite a task on her hands keeping these four under control.
Conceptually, Brainsluts is very sound. The enclosed space of the drug trial room provides ample opportunity for freaky things to occur, and when everyone thinks they’re experiencing a different or new side effect, the comedy has the freedom to flow.
Bishop’s script is wonderfully comedic. He demonstrates such prowess through his phrasing that I doubt anyone performing the lines wouldn’t get a laugh. Luckily, we’re joined by some amazing talent onstage as well.
Rob Preston as Duggan is brilliantly sweet and slow, bagging the majority of the great punchlines. Emmeline Downie as Dr. Eavis is also terrifically conceived. Her ever-growing quirks and poor attempts to get the participants onside is hilarious to watch. They are accompanied by Yaz, Mitch, and Bathsheba, who continually push the plot forward, and make space for the crazier characters to blossom.
The characters feel archetypal, but not cliché, and have clearly been workshopped to test their chemistry, to unpick their backstories. As a unit, they tick all the boxes, and it is a pleasure to sit back and witness their interactions.
About three quarters through, after the Bathsheba situation (no spoilers), the narrative wanders slightly, and in doing so some of the comedic energy is lost. Though temporary, there is a noticeable dip in gusto.
It isn’t often that I see a decent comedy play, with a four-person ensemble, a simple concept and a great script. It’s always a good reminder that the beating heart of theatre is still here, amongst all the other beautiful Fringe nonsense.
Recommended Drink: Something to wash today’s drug dose down.
You can catch Brainsluts at 10 Dome at Pleasance Dome from Aug 17-25 at 14:45. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jake Mace
Lamesha Ruddock
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