Max Dowler, known for his role in Line of Duty and with a background in stand-up comedy, is gearing up to perform in the play Super at Edinburgh Fringe. Max delves into the details of the play and his connection with the writer, Matthew Radway.
Super revolves around the lives of individuals who dress up as superheroes on Hollywood Boulevard, posing for pictures with tourists as a means of earning a living. Max provides insight into the storyline, explaining, “It’s about the story of two of them, and basically one of their friends has got famous and left them behind as they go on to bigger and better things.”
Max’s connection to the project runs deep, as he shares his history with writer Matthew Radway: “I met Matt on the stand-up circuit about ten years ago. He went to the National Film and Television School and wrote a two-hander for his end-of-year show, which I performed in. Then, years later, he sent me the script for Super and I was immediately drawn to it.”
Describing his initial reaction to the script, Max conveys its compelling nature: “It’s funny and it’s sort of heartbreaking, and I guess the thing that I found appealing as an actor was that he’s managed to create this very three-dimensional character… there’s bitterness, but there’s also warmth… and there’s a real sort of naive optimism to the character as well, which is really appealing.”
Although Max has experienced success in his career, including notable roles, such as appearing in Line of Duty, he acknowledges that unfulfilled ambitions are a part of every actor’s journey, “I’ve still got unfulfilled ambitions. Of course I have, like, I haven’t done half the things that I wish I could have done… even enormously successful actors would be able to sort of watch this and go, ‘Oh, yeah, there’s something in there.'”
In terms of authenticity, Max reveals that Matthew Radway drew inspiration from real-life experiences on Hollywood Boulevard, “He went there and interviewed them… there’s little details in there where you go, ‘Oh, yeah, okay. I can see that.'” This adds an extra layer of realism to the play, allowing audiences to connect with the characters and their stories on a deeper level.
Clarifying his role in the production, Max explains, “I’m not really playing Batman. I’m playing a man who sort of considers himself a superhero because he dresses up as one, which leads to some quite fun moments in the play.”
Max points out the multifaceted nature of the story: “It’s sort of a story told from two different viewpoints, the theme of ambition is very universal, and it looks at relationships that have broken down, so there’s lots that people will recognise.”
Discussing the comedic aspects of Super, Max describes it as consistently funny rather than strictly dark or lighthearted: “It’s funny, but it’s not like laugh a minute and there are also some hints of darkness because it is about real life. The characters are well-intentioned and optimistic, and so that permeates the whole thing.”
Reflecting on his previous experiences at the Edinburgh Fringe, Max highlights the vibrant and energized atmosphere that awaits both performers and audiences, “There’s a real sense of energy, enthusiasm and excitement for everyone, it’s really inspiring and it’s a really exciting month.”
Max extends an invitation to potential audience members: “Come and see Super, it’s a really fun play about love and thwarted ambition and jealousy and hope.”
More information about Super, starring Max Dowler, can be found here.
