THIS IS A PLAY Theater Simple Odeon Theatre Until 13 Mar 2010 Review by Brian Godfrey “This Is A Play” written by Daniel MacIvor would probably be the funniest theatrical spoof since MichaelFrayn’s “Noises Off”. With the set consisting of only a single chair (Theater Simple is known for its simplicity, but isn’t this justa little bit ridiculous?), this opus concerning that most dramatic of all vegetables, THE LETTUCE, opens(as all good American classic stage dramas do) on a wind swept porch, with our lovely young heroine(Pamala Mijatov) watching the last train of the day arrive (off stage, of course!). From it is spewed theyoung handsome stranger (Ricky Coates). Meanwhile, Mother (Llysa Holland) has appeared, gesturing wildly and badly. From this point theaudience hear the actors’ real thoughts. We find out that the young actress must do everything’tentatively’ because that’s how she defines her character; Mother is being played by a once greatactress who now is forgiven for forgetting lines and allowed to wear the worst wig ever created; whileour virile, young actor casts himself in the Robert De Niro mould, hoping to impress agents in theaudience by taking his shirt off and not wanting to be mistaken for being gay. We also hear the thoughts of the Composer (the voice of Andrew Litzky) of the incidental music (ratherthan the actual music itself). Mijatov, Coates and Holland are all excellent, giving actors a bad name, but comedy a very good one. As directed by Monique Kleinhans, this is one of the most hilarious of this year’s Fringe offerings. If youmiss it, you deserve to be strapped to a theatre seat and made to watch all the great fruit and vegclassics in one sitting. Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)