Jake (Jake Glanc) and Liv (Olivia McLeod) go to their High School Reunion maybe partly, totally not entirely, because of Patina Pataznik, the popular, totally gorgeous girl from their year who totally ruined their lives by doing one socially embarrassing thing when they were 13. So when they time travel back to that day, it’s obvious what they have to do: get a gun and kill Patina Pataznik.
While this may seem a camp time-travel horror-comedy, the plot is really a roadmap the show has no issue detouring from for various wacky sketches. While this might seem a waste of a good (albeit more filmic than theatrical) premise, McLeod and Jake’s campy delivery and absurd sense of humour (as well as some handy and inventive props, the over-the-top sound and lighting design) keep this a consistently interesting, hilarious and energetic show, whether it is being what I described above, an alternate split-second life, a french road film, or something else entirely.
More of a showcase of ideas and for its creators, We Forgive You, Patina Pataznik offers the best of the Fringe with a short, bonkers show bursting with ideas and humour that knows how to play to its strength and never outstays its welcome.
We Forgive You, Patina Pataznik is running at Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose until August 26th. Tickets can be found at: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/we-forgive-you-patina-pataznik
Reviewer: Oliver Giggins
Reviewed: 18th August 2024
North West End UK Rating: