REVIEW: James Rowland Dies at the End of the Show, EdFringe 2024 ★★★★☆

James Rowland has an hour, potentially his last, to tell us a story. Short stories build up to a detailed re-telling of Robin Hood, all told by a half-dressed Rowland in a hospital gown and bright red crocs.

Rowland tells us of Dr. Carl Sagan and the Golden Record, the songs he makes up for his beloved cat Doof and his early love of football. The stories vary from sentence-long gags, to mesmerising tales of visiting waterfalls in the moonlight. We reach the end of the piece as Robin Hood reaches his end, watching Rowland shoot one final golden arrow across the sky towards his final resting place. 

In typical Rowland fashion, the storytelling is the star of the show. There is no additional technical support: it’s just Rowland, his speaker, a floodlight, and notes to keep the tale ticking along. His performance of Robin Hood is breathtakingly funny, and the audience are such joyful witnesses. 

Rowland frequently catches us off guard not only with clever punchlines, but with moments of sincere emotion. After the tender relaying of Robin Hood’s death, surrounded with friends who fulfil his final wish, the audience are encouraged to listen to the rousing classical music underpinning the last chapter. As we close our eyes, feeling hope fill the room, Rowland leaves the stage before the song can end, leaving his audience slightly lost for words. 

As the third and final part of the trilogy that started with ‘Learning to Fly’, James Rowland Dies at the End of the Show feels less personal than his previous ventures. We are left wanting to be let into the mazes of his mind, to peek a bit further behind the metaphorical curtain. 

Yet, Rowland’s recital maintains his quintessential prosperous perspective on life. We are forcefully reminded of humanity’s proximity to death through witnessing the joys of life. His music choices feel personal and perfectly suited to each twist of the tale, spanning a variety of genres. 

His fifth year at the Edinburgh Fringe, and his 103rd show in Summerhall’s Anatomy Lecture Theatre, Rowland is still as passionate as ever. Our attentiveness as an audience speaks to his preacher-like abilities. In some beautiful, weird way, it’s like finding a new religion. 

Recommended Drink: Mead. 

You can catch James Rowland Dies at the End of the Show at Summerhall – Anatomy Lecture Theatre from Aug 9-11, 13-18, 20-26 at 18:00. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.