Edinburgh Fringe: Razing Eddie – Underbelly
Writer: Philip Stokes
Director: Philip Stokes
Reviewer: Deborah Klayman
The Public Reviews Rating: 
Fringe favourites Horizon Arts are back with this new play, Razing Eddie, written and directed by company Artistic Director Philip Stokes. Bad lad Eddie is out of prison after four years and swears he is a changed man, but despite this claim immediately seeks out ex-girlfriend Shauna who is doing her best to move on. A piece about guilt and loyalty, the pair are literally haunted by their past and trapped in a vicious circle of heartbreak and violence, unable to break free of it or each other.
Although a production that has been proving popular with the Edinburgh audience, Razing Eddie is a piece that lacks the punch of Heroin(e) For Breakfast or the humour of Laundry Boy. The beginning is slightly stilted and oddly staged, but the entrance of Lee Bainbridge’s Eddie brings energy and confidence that lights up the stage. Unfortunately, this cannot sustain over the full seventy minutes, as the story becomes strangely predictable – despite its unusual premise – and descends into wall-to-wall sobbing. There are numerous funny and moving moments, and complimenting Bainbridge’s central role Aiden Ross gives a fantastically infuriatingly performance as Billy, with the re-enactment of their complex relationship coming to its believably tragic conclusion.
Ultimately this is a play that has the best of intentions but fails to deliver all that it is capable of. The introduction of Billy’s zealous sister seemed to serve an expositional role, as she enters and promptly begins wrapping up any plot points that were in question. She also brings God into the piece, which seems reasonable given there are ghosts present, but this leads Eddie to a fairly disingenuous desperate prayer, after which he launches into a monologue which asks how he could have been any other way coming from his background. Sometimes inspired but frequently trite, this new piece just fails to hit the mark.
Until 26th August
Edinburgh Fringe: Razing Eddie – Underbelly,Tags: 2012, Aiden Ross, Edinburgh Fringe, Horizon Arts, Lee Bainbridge, New Writing, Philip Stokes, Razing Eddie, Theatre, Underbelly
10:15 pm on August 17th, 2012
I completely disagree. This is a truly astonishing piece of theatre that made me laugh and cry. It hits the mark 10 times over. The actors are brilliant, my favourite being the girl that plays Kara as she evokes sympathy and cynicism with equal measure. If I can recommend one play this Edinburgh it’s this one. Funny yet tragic. Current yet timeless. Another show from Horizon Arts that deserves a lot more media coverage and acknowledgement than it receives.
7:56 am on August 18th, 2012
I saw this show a few days ago, it’s absolutely stunning! Not sure what the point of the above review is? Clearly they didn’t understand the piece in any way, shape or form… Read ‘Must see’ Stage review or the ‘Outstanding Show’ Fringe Review review if you want to know what it is really like. I find that publications with a proven track record of what good theatre is should be trusted more!!!! I urge anyone still at the festival to see this show – it is phenomenal and the best thing I saw by miles. 5 STARS!
10:48 am on August 18th, 2012
I have been at the fringe for the last week and this was the best thing I saw. I would recommend to everyone. The young actors are great – very talented and superbly cast.
Go and see this!
5:56 pm on August 18th, 2012
What! I disagree totally with this reviewer. Did she see the same play that so many are recommending?
The piece moves at a fast pace and there was laughter and tears from the audience who gave this incredible cast standing ovation.
I think you need to look at other reviews ad this one got it wrong!
5:51 pm on August 22nd, 2012
Excellent to hear audience feedback and so grateful that you’ve taken the time to speak up that you disagree with a review.
Please tweet your support for the show @HorizonArts #RazingEddie and tell your friends.
Many Thanks
The Horizon Team