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ssp at Edinburgh, David Ward - 'The Whole Truth and Nothing But...'
- Pleasance Courtyard
- Edinburgh
Ex-con excellence
As the title suggests David Ward wants to come clean. Following his gambling addiction, numerous failed relationships and a brief spell in prison, Ward is eager to prove that he has learnt his lesson and redeemed his character. Holding nothing back, he explains how ‘a few catastrophic decisions’ led to him thinking there was little point in continuing with life, apart from the fact that he could make people laugh. This has clearly been his saving grace and clearly brings himself as much joy as it does his audience.
However, the show is not all about laughs, as Ward frequently slips into his serious method acting bit, so that the audience can both experience and accept the harsh reality of prison life. Although, this element of the show is perhaps slightly at odds with that of a traditional stand-up routine, Ward pulls it off with his sincerity and honesty. He reveals how the fate that befell him could so easily happen to any of us watching and therefore creates a truly evocative and meaningful piece of theatre.
This show largely epitomises what the fringe is all about. A convict turned comic, offering a fresh perspective on stand-up. Probably not to everyone’s taste but certainly a good story with a happy ending.
Rob Waiting
