Review: Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella, Underbelly Bristo Square

Anyone who knows Linus Karp knows what a lovely human he is. Within our little world of fringe theatre, he is spoken of as being enormously generous with his time and in his support of others. Which leads to the very obvious question, why would anyone want to hit him with an umbrella? And not just hit him, but hit him so hard that the umbrella itself breaks, whilst the attacker screams that he would have killed him if partner (in both life and Awkward Productions) Joseph Martin had not intervened. The answer? Well, he’s openly gay.

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella is, unsurprisingly, all about that one horrific and traumatic incident in July 2024 when Karp was violently assaulted in a homophobic attack while walking through Soho. But if that all sounds rather heavy, then rest assured; it is presented in Awkward Productions’ usual playful style. Unlike previous work which had tongue very firmly in cheek, however, this is a very personal, factual story, written as a response to the incident and to allow Karp to make some sense of it all. It does mean it is all rather self-indulgent, but a show about being attacked could be little else. Thankfully though, the topic is tackled with incredible humour, especially when Karp lists his personality traits that do suggest a slight touch of narcissism! 

Even with all the strong humour, the show still looks carefully into a very serious issue. The attack on Karp is just one of many that happen constantly against the queer community, and this is addressed full on, with hard data shared to outline why such violence is once again a growing problem.

What Karp and Martin do so well is in how they present their work. Here it’s done with a gloriously versatile set, fully integrated sound cues and an equally impressive use of video screens. These screens are used throughout, displaying that hard data, Karp’s list of his good and bad points, and scripts that individual audience members are asked to read out to contribute to the story. This latter generates their own humour, with a few mishaps that Karp is quick to jump upon. Perhaps a brief puppet interlude is unnecessary, as if they just feel the need to throw a puppet into every piece of work now; here it just doesn’t quite seem to fit. 

The show is the best response possible to the shocking rise in hate crime we are seeing both in the UK and around the world, as far-right rhetoric seems to be emboldening new thugs. Karp perfectly embraces the ‘turn the other cheek’ attitude, knowing that you fight hatred with love and humour, not more violence. Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella is an eye-opening account of not just this rise in violence, but the effects it has on those at the receiving end, all done with humour and a knowing nod to what makes a stunning theatrical production. It may at first appear to be a very self-centred show, but you know it is done in support of the whole community affected by such events. Because as much as he may claim to be a bit of a narcissist, really, Karp is the most generous person you are likely to ever meet. Certainly not someone anyone should want to hit with an umbrella. 

Written by Linus Karp
Stage Manager: Joseph Martin
Dramaturgy by Haley McGee
Produced by Awkward Prods, Eric Kuhn Productions, Side Hustle Productions and Daddy’s Money

Linus Karp Was Hit With An Umbrella has completed its current run at Edinburgh Fringe Festival