Fringe review: BEN TARGET - LORENZO, Soho Theatre - Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Photo credit: Ed Moore

In 2020, Ben gave up his award-winning career as a comedian to become a live-in carer for his Uncle, Lorenzo. An octogenarian prankster, he suffered a stroke and was to have his care shared out between Ben and his cousins, but the bulk of his care was from Ben in the home that they now shared.

Directed by Adam Brace, Lorenzo tells the story of the life of Ben and his Uncle. It's told with laughter, tears and carpentry! Through the strain of reconnecting with an estranged family, to tales of immigration, a very unconventional childhood and coping with illness, this is a beautiful and touching insight into life.

Target is an informative storyteller. It's clear that this is still an emotional journey for him to take, but it's without a doubt told from the heart. With the help of a carpenter’s workbench, we begin to understand the type of man Lorenzo was and how he approached life and also death.

It's a piece that pays homage to Lorenzo, and to the relationship between him and Ben. To the concept of never apologising for who you are and for embracing life while you can. There is always time for laughter, for being silly and for taking the time to make your own wagon wheel biscuits!

An amusing tribute to life.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Ben Target: Lorenzo plays at the Anatomy Lecture Hall at Summerhall at 11.55am until 27 August.