Trashed @ Underbelly Cowgate
Cider-soaked solo show with a cause
A dirt-encrusted binman takes to a dimly-lit, rubbish-strewn stage in what is a restless hour of edgy, frenetic theatre. Goody – played by David William Bryan – is an intense character whose relationship has been doomed by the loss of his first-born. As his already threadbare life steadily unravels, alcoholism and self-loathing take hold, edging him ever-closer to a life on the streets.
A haggard, solitary Goody darts around frantically, flitting between an endearing, reveal-all monologue and the voices of those he loves and loathes most. The show is propelled forward at breakneck speed by his sheer momentum – as he unearths soiled remnants of his past, rapidly disintegrating relationships, and a web of deceit.
In a refuge of refuse he finds solace among the comforts of a repurposed car seat, a shattered disco ball and dog shit pranks. It is a punchy powerhouse of a performance from Bryan, albeit one that relies heavily on obscenity-laden language, toilet humour and breaking the fourth-wall – devices sure to keep the audience on their toes. There’s barely a pause for breath – cider breaks notwithstanding – as the crowd becomes a quasi-counsellor to this candid character.
It is a brash debut from LAB RATS, but the plot ultimately reaches untenable heights that detract from the gritty reality of living rough. But in all its imperfections, Trashed energetically grapples with themes of homelessness, loss and addiction.
Trashed, Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), until 27 Aug, 1.40pm, £9.50-10.50