Minor Irritations

By Edfringe05,derek - 15th Aug 2005

This is a well crafted, gentle comedy, inviting and receiving audience sympathy. It deals with the tribulations of a gay, unemployed actor and his relationships. Sam Peter Jackson as Ben (and the writer of the play) is a confident and endearing narrator. He is ably supported by 3 actors, who cover all other roles so economically yet convincingly that it is hard to believe they were only 3. Honest with frequent killer one-liners, the writing bounces along without ever becoming sickly sweet or acidly bitchy. The direction is simple but very effective in taking us from London to New York, with plane journeys, without a question. This may be lighthearted, but the writing and playing makes us really care about Ben’s emotional journey and share his hopes at the end.

Derek Benfield

Pleasance Dome 17:40 running to 29 Aug