Written by Gabriele Uboldi & Sam Rees
Review by Florence Carr-Jones
Monkey Barrell Comedy: Tickets
Lessons on Revolution is a play that demands to be heard, a powerful plea about the state of the world today. In their closing remarks, Gabriele Uboldi and Sam Rees describe the show as ‘the very possibility of change.’ Using the history of the 1968 LSE protests as a starting point, this play explores the possibility of a revolution. Their portrayal of these emotions, interwoven with historical narrative and personal stories, creates what can only be described as a theatrical meteor.
You walk into the Former Women’s Locker Room in Summerhall – it’s on the same level as where (when this venue used to be the Old Veterinary School) the abattoir was, or so I’ve been told. However, as you walk from the dark corridor into the orange-lit room, the atmosphere is anything but. It feels reminiscent of a photographic darkroom but warmer and more inviting. Uboldi and Rees greet you with the offer of ginger snaps and orange squash. It’s intimate and home-like. Ella Dale’s set is minimal, with just two chairs, a table with an old projector, a record player, and scattered books, all of which perfectly complement the story you are about to watch.
Their show takes place in three locations: LSE in 1968, their student flat in London in 2023 and Summerhall today. Although Uboldi and Rees disclaim that they are not professional actors, their informal yet confident storytelling capacity is captivating, putting the audience at complete ease while keeping them deeply engaged.
This is wholly elevated by the mesmeric technical quality of the show, which pulls you even deeper into the experience. Laurel Marks’ lighting is sharp, distinct, and perfectly effective. Rudy Percival’s sound design is a performance in itself, the way the crackles of an LP transform into LoFi beats and then heavy techno as the piece reaches a climax alongside projections of protests.
Ultimately, Lessons on Revolution is a dynamic collage of history, Uboldi and Rees’ research process and their personal experiences. Their skilful ability to weave these elements together breathes new life into a forgotten history while raising urgent questions about today’s world. It is a powerful, electric shot of theatre that everyone should watch.
An Electric Shot of Theatre
Lessons on Revolution runs at Summerhall – Former Women’s Locker Room, Edinburgh, until August 26th on select dates.
Running time – One hour without interval
Photo credit – Jack Sain
Review by Florence Carr-Jones (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Florence recently graduated with a degree in History from the University of Edinburgh, where her passion for theatre often took precedence over her academic studies. During her time at university, she was actively involved in many theatre societies, but her deep passion was with Theatre Paradok, the experimental theatre society, where she served as president this past year. She is the director and writer of her own company, Fools and Thieves, and will begin a Master’s in Drama Directing at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School this September. Florence is particularly fascinated by interdisciplinary approaches to theatre and how the medium can evolve in the contemporary world.
