No One Deserves This More Than You Review: Hilariously Desperate

Few things are as reliably entertaining as the delusional, perpetually dissatisfied actor, forever chasing after elusive acclaim and self-respect. Ricky Gervais brought us a memorable version in ‘Extras.’ Now, Graham Dickson takes a break from his improv career to offer his own one-man show.

This new performance could well have borrowed its title from Bebe Cave’s ‘The Screen Test,’ featured elsewhere on the fringe. The show’s premise is that it never actually begins because Dickson’s agent keeps interrupting, inviting him to audition for a superior production. Each time, the show is paused, and Dickson – or rather, the charming, neurotic character he portrays – records a self-tape, often with assistance from obliging audience members.

The audience’s help is almost always forthcoming, largely because Dickson is irresistibly charismatic. Channeling a Hugh Grant-like, self-deprecating charm, he embodies a type that is both endearing and tragically funny. Despite having a fringe show about moths to present, his desperate yearning for a breakthrough keeps him chasing various opportunities – from a Game of Thrones-style drama to a kitchen sink production, and even an advert for big oil.

With audience members reading other roles, Dickson performs his parts for the camera, which projects the image onto an upstage screen. At times, these segments, along with the humor derived from Dickson’s obsessive line readings and perfectionist tendencies, do overstay their welcome. One might argue that the character’s pathetic nature, so immediately apparent, might have been more effective as a gradual reveal.

During the performance I attended, there was some ambiguity about whether certain mishaps were intentional or not. However, more often than not, the show’s tragicomic narrative – as Dickson’s desperation for work and his father’s approval comes to the fore – provides lively amusement. In a story about a man struggling to showcase his talents, Dickson himself shines brightly, displaying skills in improv, crowd work, and a unique charm. He skillfully balances comedy with just a touch of emotional depth, making for a captivating performance.

• At Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh, until 26 August

Source: The Guardian, Particle News