'Lardo' Old Red Lion Theatre ****

The Fringe sectors mission is to experiment and challenge themes where the West End and Off Wes End would not even dare to present, and a play about the hazardous nature of the Scottish wrestling scene ultimately proves why the Fringe is a thrilling environment. The Old Red Lion Theatre’s production of Mike Stones’ play, ‘Lardo’ was one that challenges the cosiness of the audience, moreover, the performances were pleasingly portrayed.

‘Lardo’ is set obviously in Scotland where obese and struggling wrestler, Lardo is resolute to join Tartan Wrestling Madness who’s regarded as the mischievous boys in the sporting industry. Lardo is sought after when he’s found on a YouTube video by former wrestler, Stairs, a sadistic individual who does not care for the welfare of his wrestlers and the paying audience.  When health and safety inspector, Cassie (Rebecca Pownall) arrives to investigate the facilities, she is dissatisfied by how dangerous it is, and demands that Stairs must improve the amenities or his establishment will be shut down for the foreseeable future. Thankfully for Stairs, he finds it easy to charm his way out of these situations as he lures Cassie into a kind of a romantic serenade.  Cassie does remind him that this will be the last time that she’ll forget about all of the risks that exude within the wrestling organisation. Stairs is an irate person and pushes his leading stars, Whiplash Mary (Zoe Hunter) and Wee Man (Stuart Ryan) to the limit and Carrie is not happy with his treatment of them and their wellbeing.  Lardo proves to be a success at Tartan Wrestling Madness and revels in the luxuries that come with it; such as free alcohol, and even ends up in bed with Whiplash Mary. Over the course of the show, Lardo’s girlfriend Kelly (Laura Darrell) declares to Lardo that she is in fact pregnant, but Lardo exclaims that he not fit to be a father. At the finale, Stairs demands that Lardo must fight him in a wrestling match as it is made known that Lardo’s father was responsible for his retirement and seeks revenge.  Once Carrie learns of this, Tartan Wrestling Madness is required to close its doors. Stones’ narrative is particularly enjoyable as we can see how the wrestling environment can be staged within a theatrical atmosphere, and that the story of a heavy-weight wrestler is trying to hold on to his father’s memory by following his footsteps.  

One found the performances by the company of, ‘Lardo’ were massively well characterised with painless wrestling movement direction by Henry Devas ,which added a realistic form within the production. Daniel Buckley is exciting as central protagonist, Lardo; principally when he is being videoed by his partner, Kelly as a way to promote himself in the hope that Tartan Wrestling Madness will like his skills. Nick Karimi is ostentatious as the scary wrestling manager, Stairs; predominantly when he plans and acts on hurting Lardo to show that he is the almighty force within the wrestling arena and that Lardo should be very afraid.

Finn Caldwell’s direction is amazing here as there’s a real sense of an immersive experience as you are allowed to feel part of Lardo’s journey from someone who was not renowned to someone who is nationally famous. Max Dory’s designs were awe-inspiring as you are confronted face-to-face with a colossal wrestling ring, which takes up the whole of the Old Red Lion’s performance space, as well as, you are instantly gripped into an actual sporting atmosphere, even if you are not a wrestling fanatic. Overall, the experience of, ‘Lardo’ was a riveting tale of how the Scottish wresting scene can be corrupted and treacherous.