It's The Economy Stupid

Review by David Cox

Financial considerations ensure that it is difficult for performers and companies to return to the Edinburgh festival year after year. This often means that you think you have found an impressive company and you never hear of them again.

I was therefore very excited when I saw that Worklight theatre were returning. The previous shows of theirs that I had seen, "Labels" and "Fanboy" (also playing this year) both received five stars, so no pressure then.

I am delighted to report that, as I rather expected that they have maintained their high standards with It's The Economy, Stupid.

In previous years Joe Sellman-Leava was the sole performer basing his shows on aspects of his life. We have learned about how he has dealt with racism growing up, his obsessions , including Star Wars. This show is about how money has dominated his life, past and present and is actually a pretty good seminar about how money and the banking system actually works.

Like many people in their mid thirties he is struggling to afford a decent place to live. This could easily become a rant about the frailties of the current systems (obviously millions of other people are in the same situation) but the joy of this show is that he has the theatrical nous to share the stage with Dylan Howells.

His role is to bring balance to the proceedings and prevent Joe from turning the show into a depressing anti Conservative rant, nothing wrong with that, but it's not great theatre. Dylan proves to be a great companion, funny, interesting, informative and an impressive magician.

Great shows and performers have the ability to shift the gear from entertainment to being highly intensive and emotional in an instant. You can literally feel an audience becoming more involved and almost stop breathing collectively.

Joe managed that from a prone position and suddenly I was crying in my seat. That is the highest compliment I can give a show. To say I recommend It's The Economy Stupid is an understatement.

Go and see it.