Posts Tagged ‘review’
The Seagull
★★★★☆ The Seagull, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh The Lyceum’s new era opens with a confident, darkly comic Seagull that largely soars. James Brining’s first production as artistic director has an easy, unshowy assurance: it’s clear about the story it’s telling, brisk without feeling rushed, and alert to Chekhov’s sardonic humour as much as his ache.…
Read MoreAlan Bissett: When Billy met Alasdair
Alan Bissett’s electrifying new show When Billy Met Alasdair is a theatrical knockout – a sharp, witty and impassioned collision of two of Scotland’s towering cultural figures: the cerebral, softly-spoken writer Alasdair Gray, and the incendiary working-class comedian Billy Connolly. It’s a love letter to Scottish identity, laced with passion, joy, and a deep reverence…
Read MoreJo Caulfield: Bad Mood Rising
Jo Caulfield’s Bad Mood Rising is an absolute masterclass in comedy. With scalpel-sharp wit, immaculate timing, and a gloriously grumpy worldview, Caulfield takes the audience on a laugh-packed tour through life’s daily irritations, social absurdities, and the general madness of modern existence — and every minute is pure gold. From the moment she walks on…
Read MorePiaf Revisited
Christine Bovill’s Piaf Revisited is far more than a tribute show — it’s a transporting, emotionally charged journey through the soul of French chanson, refracted through the legend of Édith Piaf and the life of Bovill herself. With her velvet voice, captivating storytelling, and effortless stage presence, Bovill doesn’t merely sing Piaf — she resurrects…
Read MoreReality is not Enough
Irvine Welsh has never been one to follow convention, and Reality Is Not Enough, the new documentary exploring his life and work, makes no attempt to domesticate him. Directed with verve and a certain punk sensibility, the film is a vivid, sprawling exploration of the man behind Trainspotting, Filth, and the many other brutally honest…
Read MoreGroup Portrait in a Summer Landscape
Peter Arnott’s latest offering presents an exquisite dance between the epochs of the past and the impending future. Set against the idyllic backdrop of a Perthshire summer home, the haunting spirit of young Will, masterfully portrayed by Robbie Scott, serves as an evocative centerpiece. George Rennie, his father and a fervent academic brought to life…
Read MoreMrs Puntila and her man Matti
Bawdy, brilliant, glorious and gallus. Mrs Puntila and her man Matti is an achingly funny, finely crafted and played joy. Denise Mina brings Brecht to Scotland with a sizzling, sparky and sexily socialist adaptation which is an utter delight in every way. The earthy, witty language of Brecht is given new life in a lively,…
Read MoreNixon in China
This is a mesmerising, gorgeous looking and amazing sounding production that represents a stunning Trump era re-take on what was a classic and innovative original production in 1987. The dazzling, seamless, silent set shifts and amazing back projection and set design combine with a brilliant sound system. There is an added element with the sets…
Read MorePride and Prejudice* (*sort of)
Pride and Prejudice* (*sort of) This is a stunning, joyous, rapture to watch. It is a total riot of fun from start to finish. Jan Austen’s iconic and timeless classic is given a funny, feminist reboot, with a cast of six sassy young women on stage, playing each and every role, female and male, with…
Read MoreAn Edinburgh Christmas Carol
Scrooge in Edinburgh is at the heart of this delightful Christmas story, with Greyfriars Bobby meeting Tiny Tim in a perfectly pitched seasonal romp. This production is of course designed to be enjoyed by children, and judging from the hearty chuckles and giggles issuing from the stalls throughout, it certainly hit its mark. At one…
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