Lola Fishbein always wanted to perform a one-woman show, and Belated has been years in the making. Co-written with Israeli-Palestinian director Mira Awad, with music and live piano by Roi Erez, this is the story of Anna’s belated 50th birthday party.
It’s a musical, a comedy and a drama all in one, mainly covering how we find ourselves doing the things we don’t want to do while regretting not doing the things we wanted.
Standard fare for a show by a mature performer, but Fishbein creates a lively character in Anna, pilates trainer and former professional dancer. She has to deal with rich clients, crowded transport, and memories of what could have been.
As Belated marks the 1st anniversary of the birthday party that should have been, Anna shares the details of a painful breakup, motherhood, and faces how her body and voice might soon pass any chance of further fame by.
It’s an accomplished, amusing, relatable piece that breaks the fourth wall with ease. We are given party favours on entry and all treated as guests to the event, making it less like watching a performance.
Fishbein says in her programme note that she doesn’t want “to spend life in the shade”. This semi-autobiographical story draws on her job as a Pilates instructor, and her long-time ambition to step back on a stage.
Camden Fringe and the Etcetera Theatre are the place where this can finally happen, and Belated is a touching reminder that our dreams are often just within our reach, if we take the time to put out a hand.
4 stars.
Belated was part of this year’s Camden Fringe.