“Emotional, angry, hilarious, and ultimately celebratory, Linus Karp transforms a deeply traumatic experience into a vibrant act of queer power.”
Awkward Productions can always be counted on to deliver an Edinburgh Festival Fringe standout, and Linus Karp Was Hit With an Umbrella is no exception. Following previous productions Gwyneth Goes Skiing, how to live a jellicle life: life lessons from the 2019 hit movie musical ‘Cats’, and Diana: The Untold and Untrue Story, Linus returns with a true tale (sadly, Jellicle Life cannot be classed as real, no matter how much we wish Jason Derulo’s Rum Tum Tugger was). This marks Awkward Productions’ most emotive work yet, but retains their signature humour alongside biting social commentary.
Shortly before appearing at the Fringe with Gwyneth Goes Skiing, Linus Karp and husband Joseph Martin were the victims of a homophobic attack in London, resulting in Linus being struck with an umbrella. Tracing the emotional impact of the attack and the frustrations with the legal process behind it, the production explores the subsequent knock-on effect this had on his everyday life as a queer person.
Linus is a compelling storyteller, balancing the seriousness of the attack with the theatricality, camp, and quirky wit that embellishes all of his productions. Our narrator explains the highs of coming off a run of successful performances of Diana and the excitement for his next work, all disrupted by a senseless hate crime. Detailing the visceral trauma of the attack and the heroics of his partner and co-creator Joseph creates a vivid picture for the audience, while audio recordings from the 999 call hit home the unsettling reality of the attack. Yet, bravely, Linus is still able to bring humour to these dark moments. Audience interaction, in the form of comments under Linus’ social media post, Linus’ own wittiness, and amusing musical cues bring a sense of levity.
Despite the humour, Linus Karp Was Hit With an Umbrella makes strong points about the justice system’s failure to sufficiently support victims of hate crimes. Experiences of leaving a statement at the station, where an officer strips away key details of the hate crime, and expectations that Linus ride in a van with his attacker are two of the small failings which the show justly highlights. Wider points about the increase in hate crimes over recent years also make for a troubling, albeit thought-provoking, reality that hits home.
Linus is still able to find moments of humour in this, such as detailing how his mother-in-law ended homophobia by buying him a ‘Love Is Love’ mug, a truly standout Kate Butch cameo, and Linus’ quick and witty interactions with the audience. The latter act of the production shows how Linus turns this into a queer celebration, channelling trauma into a stance of empowerment, whilst also delivering one of the most showstopping finales the Fringe is likely to see.
Linus Karp Was Hit With an Umbrella is a powerful example of how comedy can be used to confront painful experiences without diminishing their seriousness. Emotional, angry, hilarious, and ultimately celebratory, Linus Karp transforms a deeply traumatic experience into a vibrant act of queer power. Awkward Productions once again proves that its distinctive blend of camp, comedy, and social commentary can tackle serious subjects while still delivering an immensely entertaining Fringe experience.
Linus Karp Was Hit With an Umbrella runs until August 30. Tickets are available here.
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