Goldman Variations: to audition or not to audition

Goldman Variations

Armed with an Oboe commonly mistaken for a clarinet, and an unusual green ‘significant other’ called Juliet, talented Englishman and actor-musician, Tim Goldman, takes his audience on a train ride of calamity across London from one demanding unsuccessful audition to the next.

Goldman Variations is a one-man show that combines comedy, storytelling, clowning, music, and a cast of crazy characters all of whom are played by Goldman himself. With the addition of a headband or a pair of sunglasses, a hat or a wig, as well as a posture and voice change, the audience is introduced to the girl on the train, Goldman’s agent, and various other weird and wonderful characters he meets along the way.  

In addition to the occasional burst of Oboe (which I would have liked to hear more of), Goldman utilizes music to convey a clear sense of mood, which often lends itself to humorous situations.  As the auditions continue to get worse, he naturally becomes frustrated with his incompetent agent and shocked at what he is being asked to do. Goldman’s superb mime and movement skills, combined with fitting background music, allows the audience to sympathize with Goldman (to some extent – after all, this is a comedy!) as he gets further and further away from his ultimate dream job.

Goldman’s performance is energetic and engaging, and his ability to switch back and forth between characters is impressive.

If you’re looking for a laugh (and you’re into English accents!) then make sure you get along to see Goldman Variations.

Goldman Variations is on as part of this year's Vancouver Fringe. For more information go here.

By Keira Louis