EDINBURGH 2015 - BWW Reviews: MY BEAUTIFUL BLACK DOG, Underbelly, August 15 2015

My Beautiful Black Dog is a bit of a mixed bag. Described as part theatre and part gig, it claims to tackle mental health stigma and encourages the audience to take ownership of their own issues. Winston Churchill referred to his depression as "the black dog" and this performance piece aims to celebrate the complexity of mental health.

Off to a promising start, Brigitte Aphrodite passes optional glitter around the audience. With a disco ball suspended from the ceiling and a performer covered in sequins, I was on board with this performance at the very beginning. The narrative switches between speaking about her life experiences and then songs that she has written.

I really wanted to like this because Aphrodite seems like such a lovely person. Unfortunately I found the piece to be self-indulgent and it really didn't hold my interest. The songs aren't particularly well written and Aphrodite doesn't have a great singing voice.

There are some interesting ideas and My Beautiful Black Dog is strongest when the performer is talking about her experiences rather than scream/singing them at the audience. I like the idea that her show isn't about a happy ending, but a hopeful one. Unfortunately, the feeling I had at the end of this show was relief that it had finished.

Ticket information for My Beautiful Black Dog is available on the edfringe website.

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