‘This isn’t a Libertines exposé’, Lucie warns at the beginning of her one-woman autobiographical play. That’s no issue – I never followed the band despite their popularity among my friends in the early noughties. From there, she shares with us her deeply personal story about the hardships of trying to break into the showbiz industry as her indie-star brother rockets to fame.
Lucie is honest and frank. She embraces being an ‘accessory’ at her brother’s side as she mingles with A-listers at afterparties, confronting the realities of what this lifestyle leads to.
There’s drink, drugs, the addiction that follows, and the rehab that comes after. Trying to get signed as an actor, ruining her big break and dealing with sleazy producers. Lucie relives all these scenarios with the occasional musical piece sprinkled throughout – I would have liked to have heard more as the songs were a tad on the short side. It would also give Lucie more opportunity to showcase her talents beyond acting.
Lucie shares her MeToo story, which is sadly representative of others you’ll have heard about in the industry. Though it comes much later in her life, it is a pivotal moment – part of the journey that, although dark and tragic, ultimately leads her to a place where she can fully embrace who she is.
Standing in the Shadows of Giants, Performance times vary each day, Traverse 2 at Traverse Theatre, until Aug 24 (not 4th, 11th or 18th)
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/standing-in-the-shadows-of-giants
