Strong Arm

• David Kettle
• 16 August 2012

This article is from 2012.

Alex Brenner

Thought-provoking look at transformation and self-betterment

At the age of 13, Roland Poland weighs 20 stone. In his early 20s, he’s a muscle god, pumped up on four-hour gym sessions, hourly protein shakes and arcane shark’s fin supplements. But in breaking himself so that he can grow even stronger, has he lost sight of the reasons behind his transformation?

Finlay Robertson’s solo show – which he writes and performs – is a brave, no-holds-barred examination of just how far we’ll go to better ourselves, slickly directed by Kate Budgen and with a pacing that’s swift and sure. Robertson’s performance is strong throughout, and his language is a pleasure to hear. At times it approaches a kind of magical poetry – especially as he translates himself into a toxic superman firing off noble gases at the audience. But we feel so little emotional connection with his enigmatic central character – and we’re never really clear on his motivation – that it’s hard to fathom what Robertson’s underlying message is. Nevertheless, it’s a fine and thought-provoking show.

Underbelly Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, until 26 Aug, 4.10pm, £10--£11 (£9--£10).