Gamble
Ed Fringe 24
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Ed Fringe 24 -
I should start this review by saying I myself have had, and will most likely always have, a problematic relationship with gambling. I was tentative about seeing this multi-media show about gambling addiction and those around them that it affects, knowing it may cut a little too close to the bone at points, but as you seldom see productions discuss the precarity of living with or being in close proximity to addiction, I knew I had to go.
The MC for the night, the formidable Hannah Walker, welcomes up with a barnstorming display of grandeur, through song, dizzying lights and possibly a little too much haze; the MC is ready to take your cold hard cash. We follow the story of a young girl who loved to play bingo with her friends growing up, ‘it’s not gambling’ she quips. We follow this young girl over many years, until the reality of the show rears its head.
Hannah’s partner, dubbed ‘Hairy Man’, hid his addiction from her (and everyone else) for too long. She describes an image of him sitting on the edge of their bed, in his boxers, that is utterly heartbreaking to hear, because I have been that man, scrolling on his phone but hiding the screen slightly, trying his best to hide his gambling and so deeply wanting to talk about it but feeling too shameful to bring it up. Gambling can creep into every aspect of your life, every day there are little reminders of the thrill, the chase, the shame.
Through a blend of recordings, testimonies, games and dances, we are hurtled backwards and forwards from the online sphere into Hannah’s home. There are sections of the show that are outrageously fun. To make audiences understand that if gambling wasn’t sometimes fun, the addiction wouldn’t exist. Were some of the sections cheesy? Sure. Did the showmanship of the personified online gambling host grind my gears a little? Yes. Did it make me incredibly angry at how exploitative the gambling industry is? Absolutely. Walker does a great job at balancing the human emotion against the coldness of the industry, they act as if they are your friend and care, but all they care about is taking your money.
Gamble is a razor-sharp look at addiction, love and care. I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I felt an enormous amount of regret, but Gamble offers the space to really connect with the human nature of gambling and those that it affects around them and for that I am so eternally grateful. Thank you Hannah for giving me a new perspective on my addiction, and I am so happy that ‘Hairy Man’ has you by his side.
Hannah has compiled a list of gambling, harm and addiction resources which can be found here.
Gamble is on at Summerhall until the 26th August (not 19th), grab your tickets here.
FIVE STARS
