Brighton Fringe review by Steve Bennett

The conceit here is that American gal Loren O’Brien was supposed to be performing a two-hander with her English comedy partner Amy – who hasn’t shown up.

In some ways, this device something of an albatross, possibly contrived for the title – LO being her initials – and causes difficulties in changing gear between the slickly-rehearsed sections playing out this notion and genuine bits of audience interaction. No wonder she thinks we’re shy, but we’re actually never quite sure whether that fourth wall is in place or not.

The gimmick notwithstanding, aLOne serves as a hugely effective showcase for O’Brien’s spot-on comic characterisations. She flips between personas, whether an English woman so plummy she can barely be understood, a sassy Deep South passport clerk, or her technologically inept mother, to name but three of many. And though physically absent Amy is nonetheless a constant presence, as O’Brien recreates arguments and conversations they’ve had, often highlighting her own social shortcomings.

Though exaggerated, there’s a believability to every caricature, and as an engaging performer O’Brien commands the attention with her bright, spirited manner.

Scenes come thick and fast. as tenuously-linked multi-character sketches bleed into each other with little Room to breathe. In 40 minutes she packs in more monologue than most acts would get in an hour. If anything there’s a bit too much going on – a rare complaint and certainly better than the alternative.

There’s also an admirable desire to add substance to her talent for creating memorable, credible characters. Truths about her own insecurities, vulnerabilities and sex life seep through, with a dense script that manages to be both honest and oblique at the same time. It often feels personally daring as she draws offbeat humour from a slightly screwed-up life, from perfunctory blow-jobs to suicidal feelings, all relayed with a breezy matter-of-factness

There are a couple of gratuitous mentions of kneejerk-shock topics such as paedophilia, but generally this is a bold attempt at offering character comedy of substance from a performer, with immense personal charisma. Her talent is clear even over the noise of the sometimes clamorous show.

• aLOne will be heading to the Edinburgh Fringe in August, where it’s on at the Pleasance Courtyard at 10.45pm

Review date: 12 May 2015
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
Reviewed at: Brighton The Warren