Polis Loizou begins this one man show with an introduction in a lecture style, immediately wrong footing us, making us wonder about what’s coming. The tale that follows is presented as truth, of film makers coming out of the silent era and the American Great Depression. He, Polis, introduces himself, tells us of the research he has done, and the last surviving tape of a legendary film director: Lazlo Park. He is so convincing, it’s impossible to tell whether what we are about to see is fact or fiction without later research. It’s disarming and dissonance creating, as well as intriguing.
Unable to show us the footage for “legal reasons” he proceeds to re-enact the tape, or tapes, that at that time would need frequent changing. His instant transformation into Lazlo Park is clear and clean: Lazlo walks differently, and talks differently; and is gradually more sleazy, as we hear the one sided conversation he has with the imaginary ‘wannabe’ actor he is auditioning. Despite it being one sided, it’s peculiarly easy to follow what’s going on due to the way the responses are delivered. The sleaze deepens. His knickname for the actor of “handsome” becomes increasingly unnerving. When challenged, we suddenly see a very different side to Lazlo – one quite frightening.
The story builds slowly and steadily to a crescendo which is not quite as satisfying as it could perhaps be. It’s interesting for sure, the line between fact and fiction blurring all the way through the show, but the nuggets we’ve been promised on the way to the denouement hint at something more tricky and more disturbing than the somewhat disturbing ending gives. The energy is held well, although there is a dip towards the end third, perhaps where we wait in too many silences watching him listen to the imaginary actor opposite him.
It’s an intense performance, and Loizou is an intense and gripping performer, expressive and scary. This is definitely worth catching if you are looking for something different that’s a little scary, unnerving and disquieting.
Lantern Theatre, 20 May 2026
You Oughta Be in Pictures runs again 26 May 2026 then tour
