The Bob Ross Effect theatre review: A celebration of creativity
Sarah-Louise Young fosters a creative spirit in every audience member in an uplifting and inspiring tribute to a beloved painter
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The Bob Ross Effect is a very gentle hour of art, community and, of course, Bob Ross. With the first brushstrokes already applied to her canvas, Sarah-Louise Young welcomes the crowd with biscuits and a smile. It’s like walking into an episode of The Joy Of Painting and, for the next hour, she illustrates exactly what Ross means to her.
In keeping with Ross’ philosophy that there is an artist inside everyone, audience members are given access to paper and crayons and encouraged to create; among other things, a completely blind self-portrait that you’ll be sure to treasure (at least if it’s anywhere near as ridiculous-looking as mine). Young does a fantastic job of inspiring even the most reluctant artist to have a go.
Closely linked with her own Bob Ross journey are the stories of her late friend and one-time Fringe favourite, Lynn Ruth Miller, and that of Young’s brother, a talented artist who struggled with addiction and undiagnosed neurodivergence. The Bob Ross Effect is made up of many disparate elements: audience participation, autobiography, painting, voiceover, and some really great original songs. It’s an ambitious and very pleasing show about the healing power of art, but one that never entirely coalesces.
The Bob Ross Effect, Assembly George Square Gardens, until 31 August, 4.05pm; picture: Steve Ullathorne.