Reviews & features: Theatre
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5 star shows
Les Naufragés du Fol Espoir (Aurores)
(24 Aug 2012)
Théâtre du Soleil's debut production at the Edinburgh International Festival is a coup de théâtre
Bigmouth
(20 Aug 2012)
Enthralling roller-coaster through history and its (in)humanity by Valentijn Dhaenens
Mies Julie
(20 Aug 2012)
Essential adaptation of Strindberg’s classic
Monkey Bars
(20 Aug 2012)
Kids say the profoundest things
Songs of Lear
(17 Aug 2012)
A sublime version of the Bard’s tragedy, in its purest form
Mark Thomas: Bravo Figaro!
(10 Aug 2012)
An operatic voyage around his father
The Trench
(6 Aug 2012)
Pitch-perfect evocation of the theatre of war
4 star shows
Grit
(24 Aug 2012)
Powerful and quietly moving depiction of children in conflict
Seeing Double: Figures
(24 Aug 2012)
High concept two-pronged show is the perfect slice of Fringe fun
Macbeth on Inchcolm Island
(23 Aug 2012)
Production transcends limitations through spectacular and unique location
The Rape of Lucrece
(23 Aug 2012)
Bold interpretation of Shakespeare's poem from Edinburgh favourite Camille O'Sullivan
Daniel Kitson: As of 1.52 GMT on Friday April 27th 2012 , This Show Has No Title
(22 Aug 2012)
Stand-up playwright returns with meta-play monologue
Return of the Close Up Magician
(22 Aug 2012)
Phenomenal close-hand tricks from a consummate performer
Tam O’Shanter
(22 Aug 2012)
Earthy, energetic riff on Burns’ masterpiece
Beats
(20 Aug 2012)
Tremendous recreation of rave culture
Gulliver's Travels
(19 Aug 2012)
Savage and funny adaptation of Swift’s satire
Waiting for Stanley
(17 Aug 2012)
Keep calm and carry on clowning
The Shit / La Merda
(17 Aug 2012)
Howl of human emotion makes for unforgettable theatre
Newland
(17 Aug 2012)
Funny and intelligent jazz-inflected Western
Othello – The Remix
(17 Aug 2012)
Energetic reimagining of the Moor of Venice
Perle
(17 Aug 2012)
Gem of a show exploring grief and loss
Rubies in the Attic
(17 Aug 2012)
Inspired and uplifting cabaret-style show
Oh, the Humanity and Other Good Intentions
(17 Aug 2012)
Marvellous quintet of short plays with excellent performances
(remor)
(17 Aug 2012)
Potent micro-theatre probes a couple’s break up
Rémy
(16 Aug 2012)
Vivid Napoleonic re-imagining written and performed by talented Claire Gaydon
Hand Over Fist
(15 Aug 2012)
Beautifully textured monologue about lost love and Alzheimer’s
And the Girls in Their Sunday Dresses
(15 Aug 2012)
This post-Apartheid era Zakes Mda adaptation has universal resonance
Peter Straker’s Brel
(15 Aug 2012)
Belgian chanteur Brel’s life explored in song, costumes and storytelling
2008: Macbeth
(14 Aug 2012)
Theatre of war re-imagined for the 21st century
Educating Ronnie
(14 Aug 2012)
Compelling true-life fable engagingly told
Caesarian Section – Essays on Suicide
(14 Aug 2012)
Polish company grapples with deeply human emotion elegantly and sensitively
Desperately Seeking the Exit
(13 Aug 2012)
Witty and painfully honest one-man show
The List
(13 Aug 2012)
Maureen Beattie delivers this bleakly poignant dramatic monologue from Stellar Quines
Waiting for Orestes: Electra
(12 Aug 2012)
Visually and aurally striking adaptation of Euripides’ Electra from Tadashi Suzuki
Thread
(11 Aug 2012)
Poignant site-specific evocation of life and loss
Boy in a Dress
(10 Aug 2012)
Thought-provoking and fabulous drag-related cabaret
It’s So Nice
(10 Aug 2012)
Irreverent and beguiling history play
Knee Deep
(10 Aug 2012)
Redfining the meaning of headstand
And No More Shall We Part
(10 Aug 2012)
Deeply affecting contemplation of voluntary euthanasia
The Curious Scrapbook of Josephine Bean
(10 Aug 2012)
Rediscovering the beauty of scrapbooks
After the Rainfall
(8 Aug 2012)
Ambitious multi-layered show that bears repeat viewing
Oliver Reed: Wild Thing
(8 Aug 2012)
Rob Crouch paints a blazing theatrical portrait of the renowned boozer
Bottleneck
(7 Aug 2012)
Haunting, horrifying tale, brought to life by vivid writing
The Letter of Last Resort / Good With People
(7 Aug 2012)
Double bill of short dramas that push the nuclear button
Rock
(7 Aug 2012)
Rabid account of US punk movement from one man and a cellist
The Barwell Prophecy
(7 Aug 2012)
Insidiously effective late-night horror with talented young cast
All That is Wrong
(7 Aug 2012)
Restrained, compelling piece from provocative Belgian company
The Beast
(7 Aug 2012)
With uke and loop pedal Bowden commands a spellbound crowd
Mr Carmen
(7 Aug 2012)
Carmen pursuit becomes game of theatrical graffiti in stunning adaptation
The Blind
(7 Aug 2012)
Stunningly powerful outdoors multimedia spectacle
1984
(6 Aug 2012)
EmpathEyes Theatre's slick, sexy and terrifying adaptation of Orwell’s dystopian tale
Bullet Catch
(6 Aug 2012)
Nerve-shredding re-enactment of the riskiest stunt of all
Just A Gigolo
(6 Aug 2012)
A literate, bawdy, touching production about Lady Chatterlerly's real lover
Shit-Faced Shakespeare
(6 Aug 2012)
A gut-busting hour of rowdy theatre with the odd moment of discomfort
Chapel Street
(6 Aug 2012)
Snappy double monologue delivered with panache
Would Be Nice Though...
(6 Aug 2012)
Interactive show that skewers the job interviews process
The Boat Factory
(4 Aug 2012)
Poignant, moving evocation of a lost way of life
3 star shows
The Agony and Ecstasy of Steve Jobs
(28 Aug 2012)
Powerful but rather static monologue
The Idiot at the Wall
(28 Aug 2012)
Promising debut from English/Gaelic company
Unmythable
(28 Aug 2012)
Infectiously energetic trio enthralls kids and adults alike in hour-long sprint through classical my
Comedian Dies in the Middle of Joke
(22 Aug 2012)
Unusual Fringe play in which the comedian keeps on dying
Miriam Margolyes - Dickens' Women
(22 Aug 2012)
Appealing biographical show in the company of a true pro
Planet Lem
(21 Aug 2012)
Sci-fi spectacle is impressive to watch but lacking in story
Love Letters to the Public Transport System
(21 Aug 2012)
Life-affirming monologue celebrates society’s unsung heroes
Wuthering Heights
(20 Aug 2012)
Emily Brontë adaptation by young Cardiff players is a praiseworthy production
And They Played Shang-a-Lang
(20 Aug 2012)
Bay City Rollers jukebox musical is boisterous good fun
An Appointment with the Wicker Man
(19 Aug 2012)
A populist comedy success from Greg Hemphill, Donald McLeary and Vicky Featherstone
Angels
(19 Aug 2012)
Powerful monologue with a stunning central performance
How to Start a Riot
(19 Aug 2012)
Nifty political piece that fizzes with questions and ideas
The Golden Cowpat
(17 Aug 2012)
Lo-fi Jackanory with ukulele-to-blues soundscape
Dracula: Sex, Sucking and Stardom
(17 Aug 2012)
A thoroughly camp vamp
Clinton The Musical
(17 Aug 2012)
Ex-president inspires high-energy, catchy musical from talented ensemble
The Council of the Ordinary
(17 Aug 2012)
B-Boying takes a turn towards the dark side
As Ye Sow
(17 Aug 2012)
Strong performances and mounting tension in well-conceived ghost story
Circus in Hand
(17 Aug 2012)
Hand made circus puppetry with a human touch
Good Grief
(17 Aug 2012)
Meandering musical hour of delightful schadenfreude
Confessions of a Grindr Addict
(16 Aug 2012)
Conspiratorial reminiscences and anecdotes make up this compelling take on dating in the modern age
The Fantasist
(16 Aug 2012)
Imaginative treatment of mental health
Strong Arm
(16 Aug 2012)
Thought-provoking look at transformation and self-betterment
MacBeth in Scots
(16 Aug 2012)
Dark and unsettling new take on a classic
Meine faire Dame - ein Sprachlabor
(16 Aug 2012)
Radical reimagining of Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady gives much food for thought
Call Me!
(15 Aug 2012)
Accurate and amusing portrait of dating in the modern world
My Elevator Days
(15 Aug 2012)
Gentle play about old age and identity never loses sight of harsh reality
Panning for Gold
(14 Aug 2012)
Well-conceived, simply staged play dealing with emotional trauma has fittingly dramatic climax
Educating Rita
(13 Aug 2012)
Polished but too safe version of the popular classic
Flâneurs
(13 Aug 2012)
A walk on Edinburgh’s wild side
Inheritance Blues
(13 Aug 2012)
Devised comedy based around blues cover band almost hits the mark
Thin Ice
(13 Aug 2012)
Theatrical brain feast that holds the attention span
Through the Looking Screen
(13 Aug 2012)
A black tale of loneliness and log-ins
Mess
(12 Aug 2012)
Catherine Horton's play about anorexia is a modest, self-conscious three-hander
Watt
(12 Aug 2012)
Gate Theatre's Beckett adaptation largely fails to illuminate
Lapin Wants Ice Cream
(11 Aug 2012)
Puppets on the beach à la Française
Best in the World
(10 Aug 2012)
Uplifting darts drama hits the target
Morning
(10 Aug 2012)
Play for teenagers exerts a certain painful fascination
Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales
(10 Aug 2012)
Julia Donaldson over-kill
Treasure Island
(10 Aug 2012)
Comedy on the seven seas
Wojtek the Bear
(10 Aug 2012)
Fascinating real-life bear drama is worth a look
Africa Calling
(10 Aug 2012)
Song, dance and drumming from Grassroots of Zimbabwe
Machines for Living
(10 Aug 2012)
Perky, admirable Fringe debut from promising young company
My Robot Heart
(10 Aug 2012)
Stylish, likeable one-woman show with live band
The Static
(10 Aug 2012)
Compelling school drama with a strong cast
Turn of the Screw
(10 Aug 2012)
Hand-carved puppets in assured adaptation of Henry James thriller
Hearts on Fire
(9 Aug 2012)
Immersive recreation of 2009 sweat lodge deaths
Night of the Big Wind
(9 Aug 2012)
Touching show set in an Irish fishing village, ambitiously told
Teach Me
(9 Aug 2012)
Touching comedy from Edinburgh-based young company
Midnight at the Boar’s Head
(9 Aug 2012)
Shakespeare's characters meet and clash in a folksy pub setting
Irreconcilable Differences
(8 Aug 2012)
Car crash drama is punchy and heartfelt if ultimately rather hackneyed
NOLA
(8 Aug 2012)
Underwhelming take on the 2010 BP oil spill
The Prize
(8 Aug 2012)
Steve Gilroy and Richard Stockwell's latest not quite living the Olympic dream
Maurice's Jubilee
(8 Aug 2012)
Softly charming piece that doesn’t quite set the heart alight
The Price of Everything
(8 Aug 2012)
Entertaining vision of a society built on kindness, by Daniel Bye
You Obviously Know What I’m Talking About
(8 Aug 2012)
Intelligent comic theatre about obsessive-compulsive nerd is surprisingly good
Rime
(8 Aug 2012)
Square Peg astonish with daring and precision in riveting Coleridge circus
Petya and the Wolf
(7 Aug 2012)
Childlike in chaotic naiivety but enough depth to entertain all
Statements After an Arrest Under the Immorality Act
(7 Aug 2012)
Eloquent but dispassionate production of poetic apartheid drama
Still Life: An Audience With Henrietta Moraes
(7 Aug 2012)
Immersive monologue-cum-life-drawing-class
Watch it!
(7 Aug 2012)
Small-screen addiction writ large with dance, theatre and visual trickery
Mephisto Waltz
(7 Aug 2012)
Derevo's surreal show of devil pact is success but lacks emotional tie-in
Blink
(7 Aug 2012)
Web romance drama tingles magnificently before swerving into cliché
Eat $hit: How Our Waste Can Save the World
(7 Aug 2012)
A(n extremely odd) musical with an infectious message
Slice
(7 Aug 2012)
Mel Giedroyc's debut is a bittersweet lunchtime treat
Life is Too Good to Be True
(6 Aug 2012)
Not quite the whole truth from show examining Stephen Glass, Barbara Ehrenreich and Lady Gaga
Golden Gloves
(6 Aug 2012)
Messy if hugely entertaining boxing show
Jigsy
(6 Aug 2012)
Nostalgic yet brave tale of a comedian past his prime, starring Les Dennis
Ma Biche et Mon Lapin
(6 Aug 2012)
A quirky French comedy from Collectif Aie Aie Aie
Serve Cold
(5 Aug 2012)
A nasty dramatic thriller with a patchy script
A Clockwork Orange
(4 Aug 2012)
Stylish, shocking, all-male adaptation of Anthony Burgess' classic novel
Breathing Corpses
(4 Aug 2012)
Promising exploration of death from Exeter University Theatre Company
Kin
(4 Aug 2012)
Heartfelt exploration of motherhood starring Donna Rutherford
Miss Havisham’s Expectations
(4 Aug 2012)
Linda Marlowe deconstructs Dickens’ jilted bride
Monstrous Acts
(4 Aug 2012)
Bluebeard inspires 15th century prison romance
Nothing is Really Difficult
(4 Aug 2012)
None-more-Fringe physical theatre performance
Superjohn
(4 Aug 2012)
Plucky superhero fights for survival in sensitively-portrayed kids' theatre show
Kemble’s Riot
(2 Aug 2012)
Political intrigue with superbly engaging performance from Richard Hansell
2 star shows
Wonderland
(30 Aug 2012)
Vanishing Point investigation into dark erotic fantasies and internet porn is a huge disappointment
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
(21 Aug 2012)
Shakespeare adaptation barely scratches the surface of the play’s comic potential
Uninvited
(20 Aug 2012)
Ambitious production fails to spring to life
Rainbow
(17 Aug 2012)
Overwrought, overwritten trio of monologues
Simple Matters
(16 Aug 2012)
Clowning around becomes a comedy of errors despite clear talent
I Shall be Remembered – The Story of Madame de Pompadour
(14 Aug 2012)
All that glitters is not gold in one-dimensional take on a fascinating figure
Executive Stress/Corporate Retreat
(13 Aug 2012)
Interactive corporate satire is an embarrassing affair
Death Boogie
(10 Aug 2012)
Political hip hop poetry musical is all sound and fury
Blake’s Doors
(10 Aug 2012)
Existential grappling that overreaches its capabilities
Captain Ko and the Planet of Rice
(9 Aug 2012)
Sci-fi triptych scuttled by a slow pace and repetition
Lingua Frank
(9 Aug 2012)
Grindingly obvious comedy with lame jokes fails talented cast
People Like Us
(9 Aug 2012)
An A-grade for effort, but sadly Savage Theatre fails to hit the spot
Belt Up Theatre’s A Little Princess
(9 Aug 2012)
Unengaging adaptation of a timeworn classic
Bound
(8 Aug 2012)
Anarchic trip to California derails early on
Nggrfg
(8 Aug 2012)
Stereotypically confessional coming-of-age tale
Half A Person: My Life as Told by the Smiths
(7 Aug 2012)
A fair performance let down by clichéd, unimaginative writing
I, Tommy
(7 Aug 2012)
Sex, socialism and sub-standard comedy in this play about the (in)famous Sheridan
Peter Panic
(7 Aug 2012)
Dystopian Peter Pan fails to inspire an emotional response
We Are Chechens!
(7 Aug 2012)
Impassioned but incoherent drama about Chechnyan disaster
Dubrovski
(6 Aug 2012)
Ambitious adaptation that’s let down by the fundamentals
The Girl With No Heart
(6 Aug 2012)
Children's storybook on loss of innocence fails to come to life
The Half
(6 Aug 2012)
Backstage one-man Hamlet is a cliché-ridden indulgence
Re-Animator: The Musical
(6 Aug 2012)
Sloppy horror with dismembered plot
Shopping Centre by Matthew Osborn
(5 Aug 2012)
Harrowing dissection of everything that’s wrong with society
Wrong Place, Right Time
(4 Aug 2012)
Generation X drama that’s heavy on the clichés





