E8
by Marika Mckennell
directed by Ria Parry
Pleasance theatre, Edinburgh Fringe
“Vilanculo is electrifying as Bailey, who tells it not just as she sees it but as it is.”
— Lyn Gardener, Stagedoor
It’s around the dialogue between Tina Chiang’s Polly and Alice Vilanculo’s brilliant, furious and poignant Bailey, though, that this drama revolves, as Bailey’s life hurtles towards crisis,
— The Scotsman
Alice Vilanculo gives a stand-out performance as Bailey, portraying her with a troubled conviction.
— Matther Sedman, BrodwayBaby
Bailey (Alice Vilanculo) has a violent temper, but hopes to find a better life away from her aunt’s home with a fostering referral.
— Independent
“Alice Vilanculo supplies another eye-catching performance as Bailey, a girl whose anxiety manifests itself as anger. She’s abrupt and aggressive, but allows her insecurity to slip out between the cracks as well.”
-Fergus Morgan, The Stage
As Bailey, Alice Vilanculo creates a compelling and convincing character. Frustrated, complex, confused, distressed seem to describe the character created but do no justice to the performance. Alice Vilanculo allows Bailey to breathe contempt for the system whilst underpinning enough vulnerability for the failings of the system to be appreciated and inhaled.
-An Organised Mess
The Stage’s reviews editor Natasha Tripney praised Vilanculo’s “layered portrayal of a volatile teenage girl”.
“[Her performance] was adept at showing how bravado can be used to mask vulnerability, fear and justifiable frustration at a system that fails to help her,” Tripney added.
Vilanculo is truly outstanding as Bailey, allowing the audience to see her vulnerability shining through her tough exterior. Whether it is cussing, rapping or climbing the set, Vilanculo is 100% authentic, elevating the play to another level with her committed performance.
Review Hub
The Scotsman also awarded E8 a recipient of the Fringe First award.