Catherine Taaffe makes an electrifying debut in a show full of complex emotional issues and dark, irreverent comedy. There is incredible acting on display from Taaffe here, with her only scene partner being a mannequin (Bob), who takes on the role of multiple characters in the performance. The show follows Kat, a sex worker who falls in love with trans boxer Logan: the one man who seems to really want to know her. As the title suggests however, he doesn’t want to engage in any kind of intimate relationship with her, which sends Kat into a drug-infused spiral of questionable decisions and leaves her in compromising situations with clients.
The small production is seriously impressive. Ambient sound and lighting, operated by Beth Duke and Rachel Sampley respectively, immerses the audience in each new scene brilliantly, while Taaffe delivers an hour of dramatic, dark comedy worthy of much more than this one stage. It is a superbly written theatre show, approaching themes of sex work and trans-identity in a way that doesn’t make them feel like taboo subjects, which is unfortunately all too rare in performing arts, television and film. Kat experiences euphoric highs, some very low lows and even ends up mediating a bidding war between two groups who want to involve her 62-year-old client in their acts.
The show offers everything from clever jokes, emotional monologuing, to nail-biting tension. A great way to cap off your evening if you’re going to a few shows throughout the day, you will leave absolutely stunned by the acting and world-building on display.
The Only Man Who Won’t Fuck Me, 21:50, Playground 2 at ZOO Playground,Aug 7-16, 18-30
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-only-man-who-won-t-f-ck-me
