What’s it like growing up in your siblings shadow? It’s a universal feeling, yet it’s a bit different for Nicola Wren whose older brother is Coldplay’s front man Chris Martin.
Nicola brings sharp humour and wit to her story. She wanted to create an ‘honest play’ and honest it certainly is. She exclaims how “everywhere you go, every bar, shop and restaurant, Coldplay is playing.” But really her story is about her journey as an actor and falling in love with theatre. From her first performance as a bunny in a local village production to her starring role as Anne Frank in boarding school that bagged her a boyfriend. Nicola’s story is about wanting to become her own definition of superstar – which is why she changes her name to a stage name inspired by a dish at Pizza Express.
It’s a clever idea and gives a perspective to stardom that isn’t something you hear about all the time. Wren is warm and personable, it does feel as if you’re sat in her living room having a chat over a cup of tea as she divulges into her history on the stage. She’s passionate, determined and confident creating a memorable performance. Wren tells funny anecdotes about her sibling’s attitude towards her acting career and the time Gwyneth Paltrow gushed about her performance as Mole.
Although the story is basic and doesn’t go very far, Wren’s internal thoughts and feelings projected on stage feel enough. It’s a wholehearted performance that showcases Wren’s personality superbly – I left feeling like she was already one of my friends.
★★★★
Superstar is on at Edinburgh Fringe at Underbelly Cowgate at 17:30.
