I'm at a play about the obsession of young fans. Specifically Sophie and Caitlin are one direction fans. Simple world this. Two freshers, twinned and entwined in the same desire, finding a common interest. It's normal in many universities to be randomly thrown a room mate and many become lifelong friends. The signs are promising for Sophie and Caitlin as they find commonality in their adoration of boy band one direction. They pursue their common interest throughout their first year and the playful nurturing of their obsession treats us to joyful fantasies as they indulge themselves in potential encounters.
There's a dark undercurrent though, a shark fin gliding through the stage. There's a shudder and then it's gone. You're not quite sure what happened but you felt it. The girls are giggling and laughing on stage, but you felt something in the audience, a tremor, it was minute, but it was real.
The girls glide into their 2nd year and it's all fun still. The band release another album and it's clear Harry is the best. He's the brightest star in the one direction constellation.
The shark fin is spotted again. There's the beating heart, oh, it's my own.
It disappears again and the rat-a-tat-tat rhythm of the prose fires comedy into the air. Ronnie Barker is looking down and laughing. The double act come together and it's as smooth as velvet.
Then a shudder - is that a shark in the water.... Or is it just a nutty magnum on a warm spring evening...?
It's the final year and I won't put a spoiler alert here, in fact I'll just stop writing. I got my camera out to take a picture and I put it away again. I was captivated.
This is a cracking show and having sold out all week it's getting a matinee and an evening show on Saturday. Well crafted and delivered, it's what 5 stars are for.
Harry is playing at Theatre N16, Balham - I hope someone picks it up for the Fringe 2016
Vinny Bee
Deadbeatfanzine
Sent from my iPhone
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