FRINGE 2018: Why you need to see… Brennan Reece

Who: Brennan Reece What: Evermore Where: Pleasance Courtyard - Upstairs When: 6pm Why: The Upstairs theatre space at Pleasance Courtyard feels like the perfect venue for Brennan Reece's Evermore. It holds a decent capacity, yet still feels intimate and cosy. The stretches of padded seating on three sides of the venue bring to mind an old style independent picture house, whilst even the narrow dimensions of the room mimic a widescreen viewing format. It's ideal because there's something very cinematic about Evermore. Granted that's an odd thing to say about standup, but this isn't your standard fare. There's staging, fairy lights, and even musical accompaniment. That's right - Reece has his own soundtrack playing throughout, courtesy of two very talented colleagues complimenting his changes of rhythm and mood. It makes utter sense due to the subject of the show. Evermore is about the pursuit of love, seen the prism of a hopeless romantic who adores tinseltown romcoms. Indeed, there are many elements that are borrowed from the film genre - from stirring music, to the arc of storytelling, to the swell of expectation for the big finale. This is an unashamed homage. Reece is a charming raconteur, and fits into the 'leading man' role with ease, albeit with a northern twist. Imagine Ryan Gosling knocking about in Hollyoaks, or Joseph Gordon-Levitt sewing lingerie in Weatherfield. He has the uncanny ability to flit between mischief and sincerity in a beat, and when he tells of his desperate yearning for true love, you believe every word. For all the romcom sensibilities, the gags come thick and fast, and one particular section on football fans and homophobia is a breathless tour de force. Reece is especially good at interacting with the audience, and somehow manages to get away with the most cutting barbs and personal intrusion at the front row's expense with a broad 'only messin' grin. The central premise of boy-meets-girl may sound saccharine, but it's absolutely not - there's nothing twee about Reece dry-humping furniture as a randy teen. Plus there's a mood-changing twist at the end that leaves you flawed. You have to admire Reece for leaving something of himself upstairs at the Pleasance every single night. It stays with you, evermore.

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You can buy tickets for Evermore here.