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Coelacanth

Published Thursday 11 August 2005 at 16:25 by Chris Bartlett

The coelacanth, a prehistoric fish that lay undiscovered and unevolved for millions of years, seems an odd motif on which to hang a yarn of love, life and climbing trees. But then writer/performer Ben Moor has built his reputation - this is his 19th Edinburgh show - on such seemingly random associations. And, as it unfolds, his latest one-man shaggy dog story reveals a delightful rhyme and reason to even the most fanciful, Edward Lear-like flights of fancy.

Moor casts himself as a tree-obsessed loner introduced to the sport of competitive tree climbing by his father, who then meets the girl of his dreams, loses her and then discovers, the hard way, his true way in life and love. It is nonsense, of course, but the unassuming Moor who, bearded, shoeless and suited, resembles a shipwrecked bank clerk, is such an engaging, warm and witty host that while you are in his company you take it as gospel.

His wonderfully delicate and deliberate turn of phrase is a delight and the show is snatched away from total whimsy by an episode in which Moor’s lovelorn character goes amusingly off the rails before finding solace in the branches. It is all rather lovely and strangely uplifting. Literally.

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