Definitely Louise

Louise is mad. Mad at fellow actors who rub her up the wrong way, mad at her flatmate who is really needy, but mostly mad because nobody seems to understand her drive to be a star. Bethany Heath’s debut theatre show features a volatile, confrontational character who simply refuses to compromise on anything. Louise swears profusely, bitches about the competition and demonstrates her abilities as a mesmerising actor. Stardom is surely coming her way, it’s just a matter of time.

This meandering, occasionally witty monologue makes several pertinent points about the choices women have to make to succeed. Yet underneath all the expletives, the vulnerability and self-esteem issues seep through until the truth about Louise’s anger is exposed. As a performer, Heath’s emotional attachment to the material is flawless and there seems to be genuine pain behind her eyes, even at the height of her rants.

The revelation of Louise’s situation, however, is clumsy and obvious. This piece is a complex and often moving one-woman show but Heath can’t seem to tie it up without incorporating two more actors in bit parts.  There’s wit and audacity to Heath’s writing for sure, but structure and story arc need addressing.

Orlando review at the Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh – ‘slight but charming’