Edinburgh Festival Guide

Reviews & features: Theatre, Natalya Wells

Sorted by date / title / rating.

If That's All There Is?

26 Aug 20113 stars

Eccentric study of a banal relationship

What happens when you realise the man you're marrying is actually utterly dull? Such is the fate that befalls Frances, no sooner than her new husband Daniel has finished his painfully long wedding speech. In the opening scene, we are the guests and as…

The Pretender

26 Aug 20112 stars

One man show about lying gets out of control

Lying: people often do it to get over life's hurdles. Whether in politics, relationships, or childhood, lies are part of everyday social tactics, but can often spiral out of control. In this play, we're complicit in one such fib. Our host, a nameless…

The Simple Things in Life

24 Aug 20113 stars

Five opportunities to meditate on what we should value

Against the backdrop of festival chaos, Fuel theatre provides individual spaces for a slightly different, enclosed experience. Walking through the gates of the Botanic Gardens already provides respite from pounding the cobbles of the Royal Mile, and the…

You Wouldn't Know Him, He Lives in Texas

23 Aug 20112 stars

An innovative concept that needs thinking through

The title of this show refers to the boyfriend of Lizzie, who will, if you buy a ticket, invite you to her party. The purpose of the gathering is to introduce us (her 'friends') to her beloved Ryan, all the way from Austin. But of course, he won't be…

Bash

19 Aug 20114 stars

Utterly convincing and compelling

With no set, no more than a few props, and only the faint murmur of a soundtrack, this show relies solely on its script and actors' abilities: it's lucky that they're both brilliant. Neil LaBute's three monologues, first shown in 1999, unravel moments…