Written by Katie Fraser

Directed by Laura Valerie Walker

Under the awe of those with weight, significance, and experience within and around the stage – fractures in our reverence have led to an often-uneven table where the seats at one end, for woman, are often dipped back from the prominence their male counterparts secure. Discovering this ‘dip’ in the table, Amy’s dream job quickly pulls down the curtain as their newest work with a theatre legend on a new play opens their eyes to the falsehood associated with some of our favourite tales, our history, and pushes Amy to reclaim the narrative.

For the uninitiated to their championing of underrepresented and new voices, Framework Theatre offers tremendous freshness and routes into the Scottish Arts sector – specifically catered for early-career theatre makers. With such a fundamentally important ethos, and opportunity at hand, playwright Katie Frasers grasps the essence of Framework Theatre Company with their self-referential piece, Play Pretend, which grapples with the enormity of the issues facing our industry today and ultimately, not only comes out on top, but with a rousing victory in almost all respects.

Deception and manipulation rest at the heart of the matter, as does the confidence one needs ot build to face down these weapons. Performed as a two-hander, it channels the energy directly into rising conflict for the pair, as Claire Wootton and Gerry Kielty (of Grandmothers Grimm prominence) bring different sources of energy from the off. For Amy, it’s the excitement of new prospects, while for Greg, this pitstop show is nothing more than serving time before he can return to play with the big boys following his displacement caused by the scandal.

Oh, and a third character, ‘Harriet’ an unseen playwright of this new play about Flora MacDonald and Bonnie Prince Charlie. Initially, it seems rather peculiar that the playwright has no intentions of being involved in the new feminist piece of theatre, but Greg continuously assures Amy that every is under his control. It’s a quick insight into Fraser’s talents as a playwright, a drip-fed and well-paced series of vignettes which gradually explores the rehearsal process, the shortcomings of the industry, and the malicious nature behind men who devalue feminism and experience. It’s a strong concept, Play Pretend makes it far through the narrative before the intensity of the stakes ebb away, and seems unsure of how to match its climax with the rest of the production.

Likely causing a shortage of tape across Scotland, Isadora Gough’s set design captures a rehearsal stage marvellously – reinforced by the movable furniture, all set up nicely with Adi Currie’s lighting. Every element of p production is a reminder of the fabricated nature of it all, and it does so with adept skill. Much is down to Laura Valerie Walker’s direction, which magnifies the meta-nature of Fraser’s story. They manipulate the very time which the production takes, shifting the audiences from ‘scene’ to ‘scene’ which makes for a terrific (if slightly repetitive) reminder of how much of a ‘performance’ this all is.

Finding a genuine balance between Amy’s desperation to succeed in their role and expand their talents and the eventual flourishing of their career – Wooton never forgets to show just how much effort it takes to achieve this. And as Amy gains confidence, a more troublesome form of aggression rises from Amy’s co-star. Kielty’s performance is miraculously layered, despite Greg being such a volatile man with no sense of remorse for his past actions. And yet, despite the arrogance and the lack of tact, Kielty’s performance communicates the vulnerabilities beneath the faux armour. It’s fascinating to watch as the entirety of his body language and manner changes as Greg moves from experienced performer to on the back foot, forgotten, left behind.

Thoughtful and stoking the often-ignored fires present throughout the lack of equity and equality across theatre, Play Pretend is cleverly executed across the board. As clever as it is alarming, it’s a stand-out demonstration of Framework Theatre’s mantra and dedication to emerging and progressive talents.

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