In Real Life[author-post-rating] (3/5 Stars)

We are the generation of the internet. It’s been suggested that 70% of young people are only ever an arm stretch away from a device which can access the internet at all times, including when they sleep. With this in mind the notion between the offline and online world is being blurred, no longer are we interacting face-to-face, instead we’re connected through portable devices that give us connections through data and networks. In Real Life by Sheer Fiesty takes a look at this connection between the real and virtual worlds that we live in.

Having seen this piece during an early development showing in London, it’s great to see it now expanded into a full length piece. Throwing up questions of how you should best approach interactions with people you like and the ethics of using the internet, this play is a starting point for much wider questions and challenges to those of us brought up with social networks and internet usage.

The story, whilst a little thin, shows promise, with some amusing character interactions, especially with the multi-roles played by Jennifer Wakely. There’s also a nice element of comedy with the use of Skype and the freezing in the middle of conversations, something we can all relate to, that gets a good deal of laughs from the audience. As a whole, though, the plot feels undeveloped, and In Real Life is just the beginning of what could be an interesting and reflective piece about the ways in which we use the internet to interact with our surroundings. As a first production for the company, there’s a long way to go, but equally Sheer Fiesty should be celebrated for its exploration of a complex and timely subject matter. It’s not perfect, but it is the beginning of something.

In Real Life is playing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival until 24 August. For more information and tickets, see the Edinburgh Fringe website.