A Man of Substance in a World of Filth
Gilded Balloon Backstage 2 ***
Warning: this is yet another fringe show that revels in ostentatious display of the human penis. Andrew Clover plays Maurice Clarke, a bogus literature student who believes himself to be the reincarnation of Jonathan Swift.
This fanciful premise fires the madman/exhibitionist off at all manner of tangents, including his difficult relationship with his family, a Swift-customised porn mag and some dubious audience participation. One woman is persuaded to don a silly hat and glasses and imagine she's being approached by a red shark, while many of her peers are rudely propositioned. This show is funny and provocative, but there's something faintly traumatising about a man who delights in stripping to opaque women's tights (laddered in a very dangerous place). The now agitated Clover can't stop there, and following a bizarre final ramble ("We come naked in the world"), he strips starkers and prances about in front of the stunned but cheering audience.
Tch. The lengths (or lack of them) some people will go to get a laugh.
Till August 28. Box office: 0131-226 2151.
***** Unmissable **** Recommended *** Enjoyable ** Mediocre * Terrible
