It is indeed…Spooky
The Master is a masterclass (no pun intended) in performance art and clowning. It follows a spooky vampire who needs to drink the blood of an audience member before the end of the hour. It is a simple premise that becomes anything but simple when our Master actually arrives.
Before this arrival, we are greeted by a Spooky Doll, possessed by a child (at least for the performance I witnessed) and played by Maria Ansdell. Ansdell commits wholeheartedly to this role, which pays off enormously. She is tasked to set the tone for the entire performance, and she does this to distinction. Be warned though, do not wind her up. The consequences are dire.
Once Steffen Haanes arrives, we are treated to a cartoonish vampire overlord who cannot help but draw parallels to characters from What We Do in The Shadows. Haanes brings a charm and charisma to The Master that endears him to the audience instantly. He is an exquisite clown, and his interplay with us was excellent. He masterfully draws us in and keeps us on our toes throughout.
The Master’s aim is to drink one of our bloods before the show ends, but before that, he must make a spooky entrance. He continuously feeds off the audience and runs about energetically to make this entrance. Once he finally enters, he treats us to further spooky tricks until he is ready to claim the blood he desires. He is equal parts hilarious and creepy… or spooky as Haanes would say. Where the show truly excels is in the repetitions. It pushes these moments to the furthest possible point and ensures they do not waver in their hilarity throughout.
This is a wonderfully strange show, and one that is physical, funny and incredibly put together. Director Toph Enany deserves praise for their helo in bringing this show to life. A spooky show that deserves large audiences and all the praise it can get.
Show Listing: https://freefringe.org.uk/shows/steffen-haanes-the-master/
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Banshee Labrynth – Chamber Room
Dates: 8th – 30th August (Not 18th)
Time: 20.35
Ticket prices: FREE
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 18+ (Restriction)