Assembly Roxy - Central. 11am
Black Bat Productions
Fear of Roses is a fast-paced, dark comedy complete with crime, cunning, and remarkable writing. This perfectly-formed fringe production follows a determined manager; Tabby (Amy Gilbrook). She is working her way up the corporate ladder all while leaving her friend and assistant, Nicolette (Dominka Ucar) in the dust of her capricious and heartless behaviour. Tabby’s promotion plans soon fall apart when she is blackmailed and plot twists ensure that only chaos can follow.
"Fear of Roses is a fast-paced, dark comedy complete with crime, cunning, and remarkable writing''
Fear of Roses. Black Bat Productions
The opening scene with Tabby and Nicolette was a masterclass in character development. The plot was riveting, but it was the nuances of the characters’ personalities that added such depth and intrigue to the performance overall. Tabby was presented as a ghastly boss but as the onion begins to peel it becomes increasingly apparent that her ruthlessness stems from her need to fit in with the male social groups at work. It was a profundity that I have rarely witnessed in a fringe show. The writing by Nathaniel Brimmer-Bellar was consistently stellar and evolved through the play, incorporating magnificently effective shifts in power dynamics.
"It was a profundity that I have rarely witnessed in a fringe show."
The writing was only complemented by the exceptional acting talent on stage. Amy Gilbrook was a striking performer from the outset and carried this energy through until curtain. A special mention must also go to Dominka Ucar’s behind-closed-doors drunk acting. This is no easy task but it was so well executed that it was in the running for one of the funniest moments of the play.
This play also contains the best line I’ve heard so far at the fringe – all about female burglars. Buy a ticket and you will see what I mean. The humour was interwoven with the ingenious storyline and the end result was a thoroughly enjoyable production; a top recommendation for this year's fringe.
"A top recommendation for this year's fringe."