EDINBURGH 2015 - BWW Reviews: THE TOBOLOWSKY FILES, Pleasance Courtyard, August 19 2015

While you may not instantly recognise him by name, you will most definitely be familiar with Stephen Tobolowsky's work. The posters advertising his fringe show say something along the lines of, "Oh - it's THAT guy!". With an such an extensive filmography you're bound to have seen him in something! As he is introduced onto the stage the announcer refers to one of his film roles which he has to provide an anecdote about, and the role changes for every performance. Tonight happened to be Thelma and Louise.

Stephen Tobolowsky is telling different stories every night of his run. This is especially exciting as a reviewer because I can share my enthusiasm for the performance without being worried about giving too much away! The Tobolowsky Files has been a podcast since 2009 and this is a selection of stories that have been featured on that. The show I attended was mainly focusing on his first love, Beth. Ranging from funny anecdotes about flea infestation to more touching aspects of their relationship his stories are completely captivating and Tobolowsky is an incredibly gifted storyteller. He tells us that the truth always trumps clever and I'm inclined to agree. There is such a genuine feel to this performance because nothing is fabricated or exaggerated.

Tobolowsky manages to name drop outstandingly but without showing off. For example, one of his stories inspired the band Talking Heads so much that they wrote their song Radio Head about him. Funnily enough, that song was also the inspiration for a certain indie band to brand themselves!

The only disappointing thing about The Tobolowsky Files is that I can't be there every night for the different topics!

Ticket information for The Tobolowsky Files can be found on the edfringe website.

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