Gorgeous Avatar byJules Horne is a play which mimics the realities in the lives of many people; love and loneliness, in a digital world, where people find themselves in faceless relationships whereby only words can make it feel real. Most are familiar with the endless opportunities of internet dating, even if only through the pop up screens.  Some are sceptical, others are successful, but neither can deny that more and more people are using the love band as a means to intimacy.

Amy (Pauline Knowles)is a young woman living in her hideaway home in the Borders who convinces herself she is working from home, whilst spending most of her time isolated and connected to the  beeps and bonds of her on-screen lover. Amy’s  fantasies and doubts of who this man might reallybe come alive in her very own living room, and the many comical versions of her far away dream are played out by the very versatile and witty John Kazek as Rafi.

But the scenes would not be complete without the more grounded but often deluded neighbours, who wander in and out Amy’s house and life trying to catch a glimpse of her imagination and at times bring her back into trivialities of everyday existence.  Rose (Una McLean) a character which sparks laughter and warmth, is performed with all the delight you would expect from such a talented and diverse actress, and Dan (Patrick Hoffman) just wants Amy to give up the dream and look his way…

The set design is aided by audio visual displays, making it more interesting and creative to the eye.  The direction is sharp and concise, with excellent timing by the performers.  The actors skilfully deliver the lines which at times can be slightly lyrical verging on casually poetic, as they bounce back and forth, and each characters words come out like a stream of isolated thoughts yet at the same time sink and join with one another.

This is a jolly and uplifting play which has woven a modern idea, a well written script and some tried and tested theatre tricks to make it a pleasurable and comical experience

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