Showing @ Underbelly Cowgate, Edinburgh until Sun 25 Aug (not 12) @ 16:00
No doubt many audience members for The Islanders will be Art Brut fans who have come for a chance to see frontman Eddie Argos. But although his original music plays a central role, that is not the best reason to see this production.
First love is always a delicate thing, and Amy Mason‘s monologues perfectly capture a budding relationship at a time that was both precious and painful. She plainly and honestly traces the trajectory of her teenage romance with Argos whilst old snapshots are projected behind them and Argos looks on with bemused affection. He responds, at intervals, in the same shouty pop-punk style that will already be familiar to fans. Sometimes the lyrics contradict Mason’s memories, at others they offer a poignant insight into his boyish persona.
It’s obvious from the start this is an achingly fragile period for our young lovers, and the memories could easily turn maudlin. However the mood is lightened with plenty of dry wit, self-awareness, and of course great music which makes it a perfect lo-fi gem for anyone who has ever been in love.
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