It has been well proven that indulging in various types of multimedia inclusion in the Fringe can lead to disaster but this interesting production manages to pull it off, despite the film projections not really adding anything to the overall effect.
The multimedia aspect aside, On Love and Lies is an interesting mixture of traditional theatre and movement that tells the story of one man’s descent towards eventual ruin. Along the way he encounters love, lies, deceit and an ill-advised foray into organised crime, as well as alienating his family, gorgeous girlfriend and criminally minded best friend into the bargain.
Picking up on the current attitude to immigration and asylum, this immaculately played piece is slick, sexy and undeniably engaging but is too light on details and heavy on conjecture to be truly brilliant. Instead the cast shine in their own right and make the most of script’s scant inadequacies. Amongst this competent ensemble the real standout is the female lead who, within a simple costume change, manages to transform herself from being a wizened Mediterranean mother to a seductive object of desire.
On Love And Lies definitely isn’t perfect but it is well worth a look.
4/5
Richard Biggs
