Joe is a self-declared geek. A fanboy. His passions (obsessions?) span the usual:  films, books and games where the goodies always win and order is restored, particularly a certain group of films set in a galaxy far, far, away. And the West Wing. But, as Joe reaches his 30s, he begins to question his touchstones, rethinking his relationships with the things (and people) that he loves. Set in a childhood bedroom laden with treasured things, Joe Sellman-Leava’s gentle, engaging performance quickly gets the audience onside. Interplay with his childhood self is sweet and well-observed, and there’s a satisfying conclusion as Joe learns to love himself and his past.

^{Picture: Ben Borley}

This is a solid attempt to deconstruct and explore the darker side of fandom and popular culture which misses some obvious opportunities to go deeper and wider; most of the conclusions about the darker side of the fanverse focus on their impact on Joe, rather than society at large; although perhaps that’s the point? Still, this is an enjoyable piece of theatre with some lovely technical interplay, enlivened by the audience’s shared nods at Joe’s passions and his funny, well-observed retellings of things like the entire Star Wars story in 30 seconds. 

Pleasance Dome, until 29 August, 12.15pm.