Seen at Edinburgh Festival Fringe on the 14^th of August 2023

4 stars – energetic downfall

Charly is fine. She loves her job and she’s good at doing it. She wakes up late and waits for her customers’ calls. A power cut makes her day different from all the others. But she is fine.

Lady Dealer is twenty-eight, rarely leaves her house or talks to someone in real life. She’s still thinking about her ex-girlfriend. Her story, a monologue (with some surprises) written by Martha Watson Allpress, mostly revolves about the theme of mental health. It shows the slow-growing impact of depression, and the little things someone in this situation tries to cling to. In spite of the relevance of the theme, I have to admit that, after starting off for this intense journey, I was expecting more from the plot.

The actress Alexa Davies has a lot of energy, which she generously puts into her work, and creates a strong contrast with the darkest moments of the play. Charly moves on and across the simply but effectively set stage; the choice of props is essential but highly suggestive.

Lady Dealer, directed by Emily Aboud, allows us to peep into Charly’s room and story, of which the audience can’t be but a witness. Humour softens sometimes the darkness of the scenes – yet another filter Charly sets between her and the world.

Tickets and Info: https://tickets.summerhall.co.uk/event/26:5727/

Company Website: http://www.gracedicksonproductions.co.uk/