Fatboy

Satirical shouting with style

With our current culture of consumerism and our seemingly endless desire to rid the planet of its natural resources, there is unlikely to be a more fitting or biting satire at this year’s Fringe than John Clancy’s Fatboy. An updated version of Alfred Jarry’s 1896 Absurdism predecessor, Ubu Roi, this grotesque comedy focuses on the titular character pushed by his argumentative wife into murder, theft and eventually despotism. Unceasingly loud and obscene, there’s no shying away here from highlighting the gluttony and avarice inspired by contemporary individualism, or from stressing the demeaning way that most of us allow ourselves to be treated by authority figures (George Bush anyone?).

Del Pentecost gloriously excels as the vile Fatboy, supported by a cast performing with such style that each rampantly profane monologue becomes almost poetic. Returning to the Fringe after a three-year break, this outrageous satire refuses to be missed, and although it’s certainly not for the faint hearted, there’s plenty fun to be had, and more than one lesson worth learning. (David Laing)

The Green Room, 220 0885, until 26 Aug, 1.10pm, £9–£10 (£8–£9).

More: Absurdism, Alfred Jarry, Del Pentecost, Edinburgh Festivals, Fatboy, Festival Fringe, Grotesque, John Clancy, Politics, Satire, Ubu Roi, Reviews (Theatre)

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