Ever wondered if a social media influencer and a thief could get along? Perhaps for the most part just not when the thief has the influencer tied to a chair!
The Death of Molly Miller is a dark satire which delves into the stereotypes of reality TV social media stars and desperate thieves, demonstrating that you can’t always judge a book by its cover.
When Thomas (Matthew Greenhough), a desperate burglar, breaks into famous social media star Molly Miller’s house, he ends up in deeper water than he’d expected as the star arrives home early. Miller (Esther-Grace Button) is loud, dramatic and overly unlikable, surprisingly putting the audience onto the side of nervous yet humorous thief Thomas. Despite their differences the characters work very well together giving a real back and forth which leaves their audience questioning who in the pair we should side with.
The play touches very well on the dark themes of gambling and self-image, the pressures of life working both a “normal” job and that of a social media influencer in the public eye.
Greenhough’s performance is moving, showing a real frantic man in the middle of a dangerous and life altering crisis. His urgency really puts the audience on edge.
Button’s comedic timing gives a lighthearted breath to the performance which helps to break the tension. She plays Molly exceedingly well, making the character unlikable, yet manages to manipulate both Thomas and the audience into not knowing if she is genuinely showing sympathy for the guy or just playing her cards right.
Overall, this is a show worth adding to your Fringe schedule, both performers are superb, and there’s some real hard-hitting content between the comedy of this dark play.
The Death of Molly Miller plays at the Big Belly at Cowgate Underbelly from 04th August until 27th August (Excluding 14th) at 18:30.
Buy tickets at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/death-of-molly-miller
Reviewer: Beth Eltringham
Reviewed: 4th August 2023
North West End UK Rating: