Qulture Magazine

Words: Niamh Leiper

On my last day of the Fringe, I found myself witness to, an awkwardly charming hostage scenario. This isn’t just an unfair generalisation of live theatre, as Strangewife tells the story of an actor paid to play the role of “husband” by a grieving woman.

The play does more than just explore relationships, instead it presents itself as an immersive reverse ghost story, putting a fresh spin on concepts such as moving on, being haunted by memory, and what it means to love someone versus the idea of them.

What makes the show is the performances from both actors, who embody each of their characters with darkly comedic perfection. Through seemingly mysterious dialogue, the audience is confronted with our own lack of knowledge, making us desperate to know more – highlighting the piece’s essential themes: Is loving someone the same as knowing them? Is there such a thing as an authentic self? Who are we all performing for?

If you’re the kind of person that chooses to stick a Yorgos Lanthimos film on during movie night (or you’re dating someone who is), I would absolutely encourage you to catch a performance of this show for a wonderfully strange time.