Low Down

This is a funny and moving show that many here in Edinburgh would do well to see.

Review

 With a simple set, uncomplicated lighting and sound, Andy Burden provides the room and devices for Pavel Douglas to tell his story. He shot Dirty Den. Dirty Den, for people unfamiliar with "Eastenders", was a character in the BBCsoap opera, and Gregory Mantel the character that Pavel Douglas played in 1988.

From this point we see what the life of a working actor is like and how a kidnapped child from Poland became famous. In a strange twist of fate it was Tomak from Hill Street, venue 41, who found Pavel on the set of Eastenders later in life, which is truly stranger than fiction.

Throughout the 65min performance the audience laughed and was moved by an accomplished performance of humour and pathos. The comedy is that of the absurd pursuit of fame that actors assign themselves something many people in Edinburgh during August may find a bit too close for comfort. The Cone heads on the royal mile are part of the show who would do well to team up the Green Leotards.

Andy Burden has brought a show to Edinburgh that turns the light on the actor who is doomed to a fate similar to Sisyphus. This alone is not enough to make a successful show, what makes a one man show work is the desire that the actor has to drive it.

The occasional slip was recovered and the transition between a number of characters from famous co stars such as Sir John Guilgud and Oliver Reed to taxi drivers was played effectively. The writing weaved its way through Pavel’s life without leaving space for breath in fact it was paced at a rate that kept the performance on the front foot marching like a Columbian.

Reviewed by Alex Scott Lombardo 3rd Aug 2008

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