Justine Martin’s debut play is a sharp, absurdist comedy
Some of it Might Be True is excellent fringe theatre. Justine Martin’s debut play is an absurdist, but recognisable comedy that heightens and parodies familiar personalities in the modern-age. Though the performance is slightly unpolished, somehow the awkward transitions and cues only make the quirky play more endearing.
The plot of Some of it Might Be True is unique and difficult to contain in its 40-minute run time. We first meet digital marketer and social media influencer, Evie, as she films her own social media content while preparing for the launch of a new product at her 9-to-5 digital marketing job. All the while, she navigates and ruminates on her strained relationships with her mother and her weight. At a critical moment, under the influence of an indeterminate amount of ‘shrooms chocolate, Evie makes a choice that lands her unexpectedly in an animal rights activist group. Chaos ensues.
In many ways, Some of it Might Be True is a natural solo show. Martin carries the show as Evie, effortlessly performing her own words. Martin is also alone onstage for the bulk of the play, and her fourth-wall-breaking narration allows her to stand-in for other characters in Evie’s world. The greatest justification for the additional three actors in the play’s ensemble is the strength of the supporting cast members themselves. Each of the three additional ensemble members in Some of it Might Be True – Tim Blissett, Harry Walker, and Abi Haberfield – perform multiple supporting characters with laugh-oud-loud line deliveries. Haberfield’s performance as the nepo-SHEO into seasoned protestor is particularly memorable.
When so much theatre seems to lack the proper self-awareness in editing, the breadth of story that Martin manages to fit into Some of it Might Be True’s short run-time is a true feat. She does not waste her own or the audience’s time. The play is told as a sort of “smash cut” highlight reel – the critical moments are shown, the filler is dropped. In most ways, this accelerated storytelling is incredibly effective. At the same time, the play earns more investment in story and character. It is a genuinely funny and thoughtful script but while Evie is compelling, her life and her world remain under-developed. Her absent father, for example, is referenced to no end. The loss of the smaller moments in the narrative means the natural loss of investment in character and outcome. Without more backstory and time to process the rapid series of climactic events, the play’s ending falls just short of impact. To leave wanting more is exciting, if not a missed opportunity.
Some of it Might Be True has performances at Etcetera Theatre as part of Camden Fringe through August 17. Audience members looking for incisive political commentary or meaningful depth, may leave disappointed. On the other hand, for anyone looking to enjoy tight, laugh-out-loud fringe theatre, Some of it Might be True is hard to beat.
Information and tickets available at https://camdenfringe.com/events/some-of-it-might-be-true/.
Well done! 👏