Review: The House of Pitman, Playground 2 at ZOO

Luke Pitman is a man with a lot of energy. A LOT of energy. As we enter, he is already showing signs that he may have had a bit too much sugar, or perhaps a Red Bull, as he fidgets whilst welcoming the audience. A voiceover, which we soon learn is the voice of his looming grandmother, warns him to leave us alone. It’s a strong intro to warm us up for what is about to come. 

The House of Pitman is very much a vehicle for Pitman’s comic clowning. From that manic introduction to his fast-paced exploration of the members of the family, it’s all done with a knowing wink and at one hundred miles an hour, with a generous hint of Lee Evans in his physicality. There is no doubting his ease in working the crowd, something which is much needed as there are only ten or so people present, and at least a couple of those look like they would rather slap him than assist with his next scene. Or at least they do to begin with, but somehow Pitman gets even the toughest of audience members on board eventually, earning a high-five from one. More importantly, there is enough variety to keep it all fresh. He seems to have a good knowledge of when it is time to move on and doesn’t allow any moment to overstay its welcome. 

His physical skills are showcased effectively with the introduction of a suitcase, which is a real highlight of the show and worthy of being worked on even further. Never has the phrase “I’ve been inside that” contained so much double meaning! It’s a truly remarkable watch; in fact, this scene alone would make the whole evening worthwhile.

One of the weaker elements of the piece, which could do with being tightened up, is its dramatic thread. The grandmother voiceover is suitably demanding, almost pitying him for not living up to the family name, but it needs to be clearer, stronger. It would be all too easy to miss this if you hadn’t read up on it beforehand. We need to feel more for “Little Pitman” and his inability to please the exacting hierarchy of his family. Otherwise, the show risks being a collection of funny segments without a real narrative structure, which would prevent Pitman from developing it into a larger-scale production. 

However, as a fringe show it works perfectly: a fun palette cleanser to balance out the seriousness you might be seeing either side of it. Pitman is clearly a talented artist, and you can see how he must be in demand as a performer. As a creative, his next task is to take what he has already made and turn it into a stronger, more permanent show. 

Created by Luke Pitman
Directed by Oli Bates
Produced by Ro Clark and Josh McClure

The House of Pitman plays at Playground 2 at ZOO Playground until Sunday 30 August as part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.