As soon as we entered the intimate space of the Lantern Theatre, we were intrigued – a lone actor, browsing a newspaper, but observing us closely. This is the eclectic and highly engaging Black Dahlia herself, the star of a solo show that opened tonight with great confidence.
This is the story of Elizabeth Short who, in real life, met her untimely end in a gruesome fashion back in 1947, but is still the focus of attention for those who like to relive unsolved crime history. Her life, whilst ultimately tragic, had many twists and turns. We meet a forceful young woman who has had challenges to face, found her own way of dealing with them and is now forging her own way in life. But, at 22, the most terrible thing happens, a murder, and this play is our chance to meet the victim herself, perhaps the only person with the ability to tell her true story with authenticity.
Written and performed by Trystan Youngjohn, this is a great demonstration of how to put on an opening night. Her physicality is amazing, throwing herself into the role, accentuating her movements, engaging directly with audience members and drawing us in. Her rictus grin when she tells about her love of films will stay in my vision for some time, as will the feel of the unknown substance I was asked to handle during the investigation of the murder itself. Using dramatic light changes to show time slips, the character allows us to see her past, explore her present and how her future could have been so different, each segment blending together to enable you to come to your own conclusions.
There is a great sense of time and place throughout this piece, the set, the costume and the music all perfectly selected. Youngjohn’s use of the space is also impressive, bringing in tender moments through clever use of props and levity that involved most of the audience in the play. We are left with a strong sense of the victim herself, but also a host of questions about the way events from the past are portrayed by the media.
This is a great achievement, and well worth catching as part of Brighton Fringe.
Venue: Grania Dean Studio (Lantern Theatre @ ACT)
Dates: 15, 16, 17, 19 May, 2025
Time: 17:00 (50 mins)
Age Suitability: 16+ (Guideline)
Ticket price: £10.00
Tickets available from Brighton Fringe.
