Updated: Jan 2, 2020
With the number of character's drawn vividly in my imagination, it's easy to forget this is a one man show.
Boar is a show full of fleshed out characters, amazing monsters, wonderful fight scenes and vivid landscapes. It’s also a one man show. Lewis Doherty, in black joggers and black t-shirt, creates the whole thing on a bare stage, empty apart from a small stool. 'How the fuck is he that good?' You might ask. I don’t know, but you better watch it.
From the offset you know this show will be special. Doherty becomes a pirate captain, then a pirate knocking on his door, then a pirate pushing that pirate out the way to knock on the same door, then the captain again; and you always know exactly which is which. His vocal work is outstanding, his comedy precise and laugh out loud funny and each of his roles entirely distinct from the last.
The story too is of epic proportions. We meet Kings, avengers, rogues, robbers, Princesses and Princes (who have recently spent their gap year in Tanzania), who populate a fantasy adventure across the seven Kingdoms, as Boar, an orphaned warrior, attempts to find those responsible for his family’s demise. Complimented by slick lighting changes and atmospheric music, the world Doherty creates is a joy to be sucked into.
Doherty is a force to be reckoned with. For him to make his audience see so clearly each of the different parts of his world, each of the characters, each flying arrow, each creaking door is testament to his outstanding performance qualities. With sweat dripping from his brow, he has earned his standing ovation. If I could give six stars I would.
Boar is on at the Pleasance Courtyard at 22:45 until the 25th August (not 19th), tickets available here - https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/boar
