November Theater’s How to Build a Wax Figure follows Bea before a significant moment of her life, her first professional lecture. She reflects on what brought her to this moment, how it has impacted her, what it has taught her, and how even the turbulent parts of early-life can impact us positively and equip us for what lies ahead. How to Build a Wax Figure runs from 3rd-29th August at George Square Studios (Studio 4) at 12:50pm.
Isabella Waldron’s script is intriguing from the off, positioning Bea’s personal journey and growth at a parallel with her journey in the medical field. The use of the human eye as a thematic tableau adds another layer of quiet intimacy that makes Bea even more of a loveable protagonist. Seeing the world not only through her eyes, but the eyes that she sculpts feels like an irresistible invitation. It’s rare and exciting when a script can get an audience so on board with a character so quickly.
This is excelled by Wax Figure’s fantastic ensemble. The character of Dana feels a little redundant at times, used purely as a narrative device apart from a few key moments, but Alice Franziska’s deadpan delivery makes her hard not to love.
Olivia Dowd’s portrayal of Margot oozes initial swagger and confidence, but as the layers of plot are peeled away, so are the character’s, revealing an insecure and neurotic individual tangled in their own perceptions of morality.
However, this production belongs to Nell Barlow who gives an exceptional performance as Bea, showcasing equal parts hilarity and heartwarming vulnerability. The audience remains firmly in her grasp for the whole hour, but with a tenderness and warmth that makes us thankful to just be along for the ride. Dowd and Barlow’s chemistry is electric and at times effectively uncomfortable to watch, as if the audience is interrupting.
How to Build a Wax Figure is not only a peculiarly charming approach to romantic-comedy, coming-of-age and queer relationships, but may well be your introduction to a fantastic group of performers, and when they’re armed with a story this gripping and gorgeously written, you’d be a fool not to seize it.
