EDINBURGH 2013 - BWW Reviews: POLE FACTOR, The Space On The Mile, August 13 2013

Sameera is a contestant on a reality TV show called Pole Factor. It is unclear what exactly Pole Factor involves, the set-up indicates a talent show of some variety but whether it literally is pole dancing or if that is supposed to be a metaphor, I'm not entirely sure.

Sameera is using her new-found fame to protest the opening of a new mosque. Causing outrage amoung the Islamic community, she receives death threats and has to be given police protection. She has the full support of the media and is the clear frontrunner for winning the show, but her boyfriend and his friend try to persuade her that it is not worth betraying her upbringing for fame. Tragedy strikes during the run of the show and Sameera begins to unravel.

The script lets the play down in some areas, trying too hard to be contemporary. Repetition of "hashtag" and "totes amazeballs" just felt a bit irritating and conflicted with the political nature of the character. Sameera is seen to be fighting for a political cause, but then also shallow and a bit of an airhead. There is a heavy emphasis on mobile phone use and throwing as many social media terms as possible. It also seems to try and cover too much in the space of 50 minutes; Islamic extremism, depression, obsession with fame, sexual assault and honour attacks.

Overall, Pole Factor is an excellent concept and has the potential to be a really interesting piece of theatre.

Pole Factor runs at The Space On The Mile. Ticket information is available here.

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