A madcap and memorable performance
Walking into the room, with a Van Gogh painting projected onto the wall, we are told that this is an immersive Van Gogh experience. After a moment of quiet tranquility, the pandemonium and true immersion begins.
Donna Oblongata, disguised in a grotesque depiction of Van Gogh, comes in working as an Uber driver. As soon as they realise the show celebrates their work, all hell breaks loose.
Oblongata is absolutely electric as this downbeat Van Gogh. They have an intensity that can make you laugh, cry and hide in terror all in the same breath. This is particularly true during the sip and paint element of the show, where unwitting audience members must get up close and personal with this eccentric performer.
The audience interaction is where this show soars. Be it through antagonisation or admiration, Oblongata builds a bond quickly with each participant and gets the fullest experience she can out of each of them.
While the chaos of the character works in the shows favour, the chaotic narrative is what brings it down. The changing of scenarios towards the end undercut the message of the piece. It is a grim look into the life of an artist, and the piece explores this to a point. But it lets itself down a little at the end, after working so hard to bring the audience on board.
That being said, this is a good piece of theatrical clowning, and Oblongata deserves all the praise for a quite brilliant performance, epitomising the sad clown of the artist in this world.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-van-gogh-shogh
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Front Room at Assembly @ St Andrew Square
Dates: 6th – 30th August (Not 12th, 19th, 26th)
Time: 18.25
Ticket prices: £8
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 12+ (guideline)