Everyone knows the type. The inept boss who, other than playing a good hand of gas-lighting, passive aggression and plain old-fashioned bullying, has made his scant ability go a long way.
Consequently, senior manager Joe is instantly recognisable in Timothy Marriott’s awkwardly funny and thought provoking play, The Appraisal.
Nicky just wants to keep working, running her department, doing what she does best, but her line-manager has other ideas for her and sees the annual work review as the ideal opportunity to put his plans into action.
As the appraisal, intended to ‘celebrate all that is good’ in Nicky’s performance, descends into threats, blackmail and manipulation, the battle of minds takes an ever more sinister turn.
With the position of power flipping back and forth, sharp social commentary cuts through but never overpowers the humour.
Playing the acronym-loving manager, Marriott brings a chilling undercurrent of menace to Joe, vagueness cloaking his steely manipulative nature.
Nicky, his calculating and clever sparring partner is a gift of a role for the excellent Angela Bull who relishes every verbal lunge and parry.
Together, their sharp repartee is delicious.
Driven by management buzz speak and box ticking, Marriott’s script quickly draws the audience in, then keeps them guessing throughout.
Recognisable and authentic, The Appraisal is a deftly crafted word play and a thoughtful yet laugh out loud start to a day at the Fringe.
Until Aug28, 11.35am, www.EdFringe.com