On a Fringe that's populated by comics that seem to be run by corporations and theatre companies who have forgotten the meaning of entertainment, to encounter 'The City and Iris' is like finding a breath of fresh air in a stagnant swamp. Thank God for Glass-Eye Theatre.
On the tiniest of stages at the Roxy Art House this group of actors spin a wonderful tale of Iris, a repressed and introverted young woman, trapped in her own insecurities and limiting self-beliefs. Her waking, her walk to work, her journey on the tube, her job at the library, it's all measured and controlled with utmost precision so as to avoid anything new or potentially dangerous. I recognised Iris in myself, I could see all my own doubts and concerns and I think that's probably the same for every audience member who watches this show.
The show is performed by a wonderfully gifted team of actors, ably directed, and using just one prop - a piece of red rope. This group ooze ingenuity, creativity and an astute eye which highlights the funny, the sad, the bad and the mad. The 60 minutes went too quickly for me and when the play ended I was left wanting more. The final scene is very special. I don't want to give anything away, but it did leave me with a tear in my eye, and for an old cynic like me that's quite an achievement.
It's great theatre and it's what the Fringe is all about, something new, something different, something you've never seen before. For anyone who wants to learn to fly where they have only previously walked or see clearly what they have only ever glimpsed or throw off the shackles of self doubt 'The City and Iris' is both an inspiration and a wonderful way to help point you in the right direction. Go, run now to the box office and buy your escape ticket.
Show times
Till 30 August, 6.25pm
Ticket Prices
£7 (£5.50)