Writer: Philippa Dawson
Director: Nat Kennedy
Ahead of a full-on run at the upcoming Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Philippa Dawson brings her acclaimed solo show Character Flaw to Omnibus Theatre for a delightful London preview.
Dawson is lovable from her first frantic words as she rushes into the auditorium as a latecomer to her own show. Her endearing energy is infectious and an audience could happily watch her stumble through an absolute train wreck. Fortunately, Dawson’s method of storytelling is carefully conceived and she manages to consistently hop thought-trains without getting derailed.
Gluing together Character Flaw’s fragmented story map is a fairly straightforward central journey; that of Pip getting the train to Edinburgh. This simple, yet self-aware, goal provides a creative jumping-off point for her busy mind to run free.
Dawson’s use of structure is, in fact, another of the production’s great strengths. By capitalising on the idea of getting distracted, the writer/performer manages to inject her solo show with the most incredible (and ridiculous) recaps of her biggest mistakes. Each of these tales is brought to life with an eclectic range of props, entertaining impressions and spot-on comic timing.
Character Flaw is, for the most part, a lighthearted, fun experience – which Dawson herself acknowledges is a defence mechanism to come across more favourably. However, it is when she stops suppressing her darker moments that she captures real theatre magic. Laying bare her experience with medication, Dawson captures a painfully sincere sadness, loneliness and loss of self. This raw realisation hits deeper than any of the previous silly ‘regrets’ she performs along the way, and challenges what society deems a successful resolution to ADHD.
Character Flaw is a unique piece of theatre, with a strong point of view and a true entertainer at the helm. Whether you are queer, neurodivergent, neither or both it’s impossible to be unmoved by this beautifully joyful and personal tale.
Reviewed on 18 July 2024 and plays at the Edinburgh Fringe
