★★★★
Written by Andy Moseley and performed by Jac Wheble, Almost Famous, is a one-woman show that tells the story of veteran actor Emily Benton. She is believed to be back in the UK after a career that led to her conquering Broadway. In her mind, she should be taking on a lead role in Downton Abbey or The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Instead, she is waiting on other, more famous female actors to drop out of shows because of ill health or die, so she can get a chance at stardom again. As a result, Emily often finds herself questioning “when did all this become a career, instead of a calling?”.
It isn’t the most original concept. There are countless shows on and off the Fringe that see a tragic heroine deliver a painful monologue about what could have been. However, there are so many twists and turns throughout this 50 minute show that make it absolutely fly by; there is a brilliant twist towards the end that will break your heart but leave you with plenty of food for thought. Along with Wheble’s captivating performance, it stands out from shows of a similar nature.
The minute you enter the venue, Wheble is getting into character: applying makeup, listening to classics and sipping wine in a silk dressing gown—you see her transforming into Emily Benton before your very eyes. This really helps you buy into the old school, “typical actress” facade that Wheble wears throughout the show.
Wheble takes you through Emily Benton’s life: from her being born in Australia to parents who were Ten Pound Poms to how she ended up moving back to the UK to follow the success of Olivia Newton John and how this led to her starring in Blackpool summer seasons and her eventual climb to fame. However, it all begins to unravel. We gradually learn that Emily suffered at the hands of industry abusers, married a fellow actor whose own career flourished, whilst Emily was confined to the kitchen sink. This led to her turning down a huge opportunity on the West End. It also sets up one of the most powerful lines in the show: “I had no idea how big of a door I was closing, or that it would never open again”.
The show touches on many relevant and topical themes, such as ageism, the MeToo movement and sexism within the entertainment industry. Emily discusses how the only roles available to women of her age are dementia suffering “old biddies”. She argues in defence of an invisible generation of women, who may be in their seventies but still want fun, passion and sex—this was refreshing to see on stage.
Almost Famous is packed with pathos and is impeccably performed by Wheble. Her on-stage charisma and execution is utterly outstanding and despite a few moments of hesitation, it is this impeccability that prevents the show from being just another dramatic monologue about lost dreams.
The sharp and at times black humour adds another dimension to the show too. Lines such as “My manager always has to check if they have been part of Operation Yewtree before I pay tribute to an old friend on Twitter” and “I’ll end up touring theatres such as the Wolverhampton Grand or Liverpool Hope or some other place that has an oxymoron for a name” give the show its much needed light and shade. The lines of comedy accompany the pathos well and are skilfully delivered by Wheble meaning every joke lands.
The set is well designed and the staging is exceptional too. It is full of theatre posters and memorabilia with an atmosphere that felt similar to Michelle Collins’ Motorhome Marilyn, also at the Fringe this year. Benton moves around fluidly, remaining chic and poised at all times. Once again, this helps you buy into her characterisation of the “typical actress” who exuberates “old school cool” as well as Crystal Champagne from her pores.
So, despite a few minor moments of hesitation and the slightly predictable origins of the show, Almost Famous is darkly funny, fiercely current and heartwarming yet equally heartbreaking. Wheble is a fine actor who is utterly flawless in her portrayal of Emily Benton. The show reminds you that behind the blusher, champagne, sequins and sparkles often lies a much harsher, more somber reality. You must try and catch this show if and when you can!
Almost Famous will run until 16 August at Theatre 2 at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall as part of Edinburgh Fringe.
Words by Cory Gourley
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