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★★★★
Dublin-based performer, producer and writer Sarah Maria Lafferty has written her debut play ‘How to Become a Movie Star?’ and it is part of theSpaceUK programme at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe. With the theatre company that she cofounded (Felix Culpa) producing recent Fringe successes ‘The Woman He Lived With’ and ‘The Bad Daters’, I was keen to kick off my festival schedule with this new comedy that centres on an actor with aspirations to become a film star. For this play Sarah has drawn on her own diaries and experiences as an actor, crafting a relatable and light hearted piece of theatre that looks at the power of dreams and what it means to follow in your idol’s footsteps.
Master of storytelling
Even though Sarah plays a fictional actor, the story feels incredibly personal and it is obvious from the very first anecdote that some of the writing is based on real life experiences. The performer takes audiences through the character’s journey to becoming a movie star, from revelling at the attention following a breakage incident at the age of one, right up to Drama school experiences in London. The delivery is exceptional, with the performer bringing so much personality to the dialogue and never placing a foot wrong.
Sarah’s strengths lie in the recollection of the early memories, specifically portraying the disgust at being cast as Princess #4 in a school play. Sometimes I found that there was less intrigue in the latter stories, but you definitely got to appreciate the variation in the aspiring actor’s journey. Additionally, clarity and context are things that this show has boundless amounts of, and if anything, I think the writer and performer can ease up on circling back to prior memories. It feels a little repetitive in places, for a piece that has fully committed to establishing a character’s background.
Natural comedy
Very much a comedy piece that doesn’t overdo the laughs, you can’t help but chuckle at the character’s commitment to the movie star ‘master plan’, however unique it may be. A recurring theme is an adoration of Irish actor Gabriel Byrne, and this figure has appeared in the aspiring movie star’s life on various occasions. This is largely where the comedy comes from, as Sarah’s character is following the established actor’s method of being a school teacher before pursuing a career in the arts. The performer has nailed the superfan persona, so much so that you can’t wait to hear more of the Gabriel Byrne stories and chance encounters.
A well-crafted storytelling piece at the Fringe
Sarah’s charisma and energy in her storytelling captures your attention for the entire 50 minutes. The pacing is exquisite, never pondering too long on a story or plot point, which has created a brilliantly crafted one-person show. You can catch ‘How to Become a Movie Star?’ in the Theatre 3 at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall until 23rd August (not 10th and 17th). Performances start daily at 16:05, with tickets available via the festival’s website.
*My ticket for ‘How to Become a Movie Star?’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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