A charming and creepy exploration of memory, truth, & childhood.
“In a remote, north-east village, something lurks in the bathroom…” It is difficult to say what really haunted Dylan Howells’ childhood bathroom, but he brings it straight into the venue for ‘Forget About Me’. Both a designer and a performer, Howells’ show blends both arts to create a humorous, thrilling show that has audiences doubting their own eyes.
The tale itself is simple: a young boy hears noises from the walls of his old house, and tries to uncover the ghosts that haunt it. What transpired throughout the performance was much more complicated and fascinating. The protagonist — a version of Howells — charms and disarms the audience, teaching them tricks for their memory and talking with his friend / fellow actor / technician, Joe. Worth noting: Joe’s vocal performance of Connor, child-Dylan’s “creepy ten year old” neighbour, is equally hilarious and wonderfully eerie. The initial introduction to the show, where Howells performs some trickery with the audience’s shopping list, could be smoothed out and shortened just a tad to avoid audience intrigue beginning to die. While fun, it leaves the audience wondering when the ghost story they were promised begins.
Beyond audience interactions, Howells’ magic really does feel magic. If only there was more of it! Nonetheless, every little trick and unexpected piece of magic heightened Howells’ natural storytelling ability. From mysterious movements behind a curtain, props changing inexplicably in front of the audience’s eyes, and objects hovering, audience members will leave ‘Forget About Me’ doing the opposite. It is difficult to shake off the haunting tale Howells weaves, which features cassette tapes where he attempts to get the truth from his father about what really happened back then.
‘Forget About Me’ features a ghost, but the horror doesn’t come from jumpscares (though there are those too!). Instead, it emerges from a slow creeping dread, the audience’s realisation that what they see isn’t necessarily what is real. Hardcore horror won’t be found here, but what is in this show is something just as intriguing.If you’re looking for something different, or a performance to think about in days to come and wonder ‘how did he manage that?’, ‘Forget About Me’ is the show to watch.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/forget-about-me
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Below at Pleasance Courtyard
Dates: 5 — 31 August (not 12, 19, 26)
Time (runtime): 13:40 (60 minutes)
Ticket prices: £13.50 (full price), £11.50 (concession), £12 (family)
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Content notes: Contains audience participation, sudden loud noises, and some upsetting themes. Suitable for ages 12+.