Candy ★★★★ Park Theatre | Aug 22 - Sep 9, 2023


Have you ever wondered what you'd do if you fell in love with your best friend's drag queen persona? If you have, then this is the show for you. And, even if you've never pondered this proposition, Candy offers the audience a lot to think about. The protagonist, Will, initially questions the notion of love at first sight, but then to his surprise, he finds himself a victim of this experience in a most unexpected way. Will becomes obsessed by Candy, his schoolmate Billy's drag alter ego. It's a provocative and amusing premise. However, Tim Fraser's debut play raises larger questions about how infatuation or all-encompassing love, whether in a romcom or in reality, can be a seductive yet debilitating experience. Like candy itself, it may prove addictively sweet while ultimately offering no nourishment. As the plain talking, practical Will who becomes caught up in an emotional whirlwind, Michael Waller puts in a convincing performance. His bewilderment and vulnerability are nicely portrayed, and Waller successfully brings the audience into his character's world of limitation and aspiration. The delineation of various secondary characters is less successful, but the creation of the audience's connection with Will is solid. Candy offers only a brief glimpse into the life of a character we might like to know more about, but this is an evening of refreshing and absorbing theatre. We look forward to Tim Fraser's future work.

Rated: ★★★★

Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Ali Wright

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When, Where, Getting there:
Map & Location: 13 Clifton Terrace, Finsbury Park, London N4 3JP, UK

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