EDINBURGH 2018: Review: FCUK'D, Gilded Balloon

The teenager onstage in front of us (played by George Edwards) looks like your stereotypical delinquent in his polo shirt and a baseball cap. He's waiting at the school gates for his little brother Matty. Matty is his world and this is evident from the way he talks about him.

Their dad left years ago and their mother drinks until she passes out. So it is down to the unnamed teen to look after his little brother. It isn't enough for the authorities though, they want to take Matty into care. But he isn't ever going to let anyone take him away.

Edwards plays both parts of the teenager and Matty, switching between a cocky young man and a wide-eyed little boy effortlessly. Edwards is an engaging performer and it is easy to get lost in his story- despite the racket coming from another show next door.

FCUK'D isn't a particularly easy watch and can get quite unsettling. You find yourself getting very invested in the story of these siblings on the run.

Told in a compact 45 minutes, FCUK'D is an ideal Fringe show packed with emotion and excellent storytelling.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fcuk-d