The Brush is the Edinburgh Fringe debut by Indie American film director, screenwriter, and producer Joe Maggio, who also helps out with sound jobs when he is asked to earn some extra money. Who wouldn’t if they had the opportunity?
An unlikely friendship has grown between Joe Maggio and UK comedian Russell Howard. This came about when he was called in as a last-minute replacement to be the sound man when Howard was working on an American travelogue programme. They just hit off, as is often the case with many friendships.
If you are expecting a comedy show or an inside “spilling of the beans” about Russell Howard, then this show isn’t for you. Although there’s comedy parts throughout, it’s not a stand-up show. It’s a biographical story about mortality and friendship.
The Brush focuses around a particular incident that came about after an injury sustained at Howard’s stag weekend when Maggio was playing English rules football. Which left him facing his own mortality and the realisation that he still had conversations that he wanted to have with close family.
Maggio is a natural performer on the stage. He’s an engaging and reliable storyteller who has an openness that you can’t help but warm to him. His situation is one that any of us could be facing at some point.
Edinburgh Fringe never fails to surprise me. When you get to share a room for an hour with someone who has worked with some “big names” and they share stories with audiences during the Fringe. These shows are unlikely to be repeated, and for that reason, I would recommend catching The Brush while Maggio is in Edinburgh.
For more information about Brush and other productions across Edinburgh Fringe, please use the link below.
Four Stars.
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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