Phenomenal physicality, sensational storytelling within a brilliant story
Xhloe Rice and Natasha Roland have created one of the hype plays of the fringe in Bigfoot Ripped My Dog in Half and I Saw It. It has quickly sold out its run and it is easy to see why. This production is slick, cleverly crafted and utterly spellbinding from start to finish.
The premise is simple, two kids make a mistake and lie to cover it up. The lie then gets out of control as bigfoot fever and conspiracy theories take over the town. Essentially, this is a play based on The Boy Who Cried Wolf. Rice and Rowland have created something that is so complex and intricate in its simplicity that it hooks you from the start, and stays with you long after the piece ends.
The acting is just incredible. Both Rice and Rowland switch between a town full of characters with ease. You cannot commend them enough on their performances. On top of the character work, their physicality is simply amazing. They run, jump, dance and interact with each other perfectly. Bringing the bigfoot puppet to life throughout is mesmerising. Honestly, these performers cannot be spoken of highly enough.
In addition to the story and the acting, the technical elements of this production are phenomenal. The music is beautifully designed so that it adds to the silliness in moments, and the tension in others. The lighting is pitch perfect throughout and the simple design of the set and the puppet are magical. It is crafted to within an inch of its life, and I still cannot figure out how the sign fell.
This is a must see show, and I hope to see it back in Scotland after its London residency. It is sharp, effective and brilliantly performed. Keep an eye of Xhloe Rice and Natasha Rowland, I imagine we will be seeing a fair bit more of them.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/bigfoot-ripped-my-dog-in-half-i-saw-it
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Main Hall at Summerhall
Dates: 6th – 30th (Not 18th, 25th)
Time: 21.10
Ticket prices: £17.00 / concessions £14.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 14+ (Guideline)