**** (4 stars)
“Ultimately Shattering!”
One of the greatest artists of the 20th century Francis Bacon was many things to many people but his well-documented relationship with petty criminal George Dyer continues to fascinate more than 55 years since Dyer’s death in 1971.
Buggers, written by Alistair Hall (Who performs as Francis Bacon), directed by Alice Wordsworth and featuring Peter Clements as Gorge Dyer is an hour long exploration of a relationship that imbued passion, sadomasochism alongside struggles with alcohol, drugs and mental health in a play that merges physical movement and taunt dialog to deliver a production that is Ultimately Shattering.
Performed in the intimate space of the “Upstairs” at the Pleasance Courtyard in an early lunch time slot, this makes for a heavy-going watch, but also a blisteringly satisfying one too. Both Hall and Clements turn in career defying performance with exquisite skill and grace. There is total believability in both characters.
Although the space is intimate it adds a deep sense of impending doom to the overall piece although nothing is left off guard or unsaid and yes there are scenes of sexual and violent nature, but this can’t be hidden away from.
Alice Wandsworth direction is rich and flowing and never holds back in delivering the truth, but it’s a truth without judgement or precondition and that allows this talented duo to capture the audience with ease and ensures they remain wrapped for the entire performance.
While there were some niggles with sound and light that are intentional it does start to Jar a little but that aside this a truly capturing hour of drama that’s a worthy addition to any festival goers diary.
Buggers, Upstairs at Pleasance Courtyard Venue 33, Runs Until 30th August for more information go to: Buggers | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
ScotsGay Arts 