THE concept is sound – a TV game show host falls prey to the devious machinations of his Machiavellian agent.

Pulled apart by the opposing ambitions of his wife, a failed singer, and MacIntyre the agent, he is left wondering what his opening gambit “I’m Ed Caesar” really means.

Whose construction is Ed Caesar? Does he really exist? – both questions posed in Nick Brelsford’s 58-minute play.

A universally interesting idea – for we are all products of other people’s perceptions as much as our own.

Yet the concept is more sophisticated than the finished product, which is so busy over-explaining to really give it a chance to grow.

Subtle it isn’t – with the plot evolving to simply confirm what the audience has already guessed, rather than tripping them up or revealing new sides to the characters.

The device of presenting Ed’s marriage problems as a game show is interesting, but underdeveloped. It simply isn’t surreal enough.

But the Write Now festival, of which this is a part, is all about giving playwrights a platform for testing out new work in its very early stages, so you can’t judge the show as if it is a polished product.

I’m Ed Caesar has the basic ingredients of a good play but would benefit from more character development and an injection of humour.

MacIntyre, the backstabbing agent (played with gusto by Jamie Wells), is the most intriguing role and deserves more of an airing.

He would make a stronger central character than the rather ineffectual Ed Caesar.

I’M ED CAESAR is at the Actors Studio, Seel Street, tomorrow 2.30pm; Sun, 7pm;, Apr 1, 5.30pm; and Apr 2, 8.30pm.

Laura Davis