A festival that provides us with so many stand up comedians gives us also a fictional one called Lynn, a mother who made a “mistake” many years ago and has had to suffer the consequences of being isolated and scrutinized by society in the American suburbs.
Based on real events, writer and director Mike Lemme has given a voice to his mother and offers a unique take on mental health in relation to class and gender. Lynn, played by Maria DeCotis, is a 62 year old and travelling through time, a 28 year old, reflecting on society’s double standards, the fear of loss and love as well as giving us some spectacular one-liners that offer an insight that through comedy, we can deal with the most serious of topics.
The piece does deal with some heavy topics and does not shy away, so it is recommended you read the trigger warnings before entering the room. It is both stand up and theatre as we watch the performer transform into multiple people and at the end even offering us a glimpse of Maria. A beautifully crafted monologue makes you intrigued about the life of a woman you do not know yet in a fictional moment grants us access to hear and see how the writer has delivered an ode to a remarkable woman who should not be forgotten.
Funny, thought provoking and sweet, time flies as you feel yourself entranced by a mind-blowing performance and leave the room wanting more. Simplicity at its finest to offer a story that has been echoed through time and told through the perspective of the person unable to tell us but impossible to forget. A shocking start to a heartwarming ending is what is needed for the beginning of your afternoon.
To book tickets and for more information
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/before-the-drugs-kick-in
Theatre Scotland 
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