Written by Alice Humphries
Review by Eve Nugent
Set entirely in a carriage of the London Underground – complete with six seats, a map of the tube, an advert for “Musk: the everything fragrance” – this Edinburgh University Theatre Company production of ‘The End of the Line’ delivers a powerful message on mortality and identity.
The action opens as Ben, an aspiring musician played by Leo Odgers, takes a pew and plugs in his earphones; the audience are immersed in his music choice as ‘Kids’ by MGMT begins to play on loudspeakers. One by one, the other characters enter the tube: Clarissa, a tarot-card reading primary school teacher in her dungarees and headscarf, performed with great energy by Nina Birbeck; Conservative MP Lynn, portrayed with sincerity by Ava Godfrey; and finally, a bickering, corporate couple Myles and Amy, brought to life with skill and nuance by Reuben Stickland and Raffy Hawkins.
Suddenly, the train comes to a dramatic halt, and an announcement is heard: a nuclear weapon is about to launch and there is no way to escape. Enter the train manager, performed by Liam Howie with tenderness and wit, to explain their fate – they have one hour left to live.
Faced with the end, these six disparate characters are forced to get to know one another – they share their unique stories, leading to an authentic conversation, both moving and comedic, weighed down by existential reflection. They aim to grant their last wishes in hope of creating joy and meaning even in despair, leading to a hilarious and well-choreographed dance routine; also cutting sharply through the storyline is an unrequited romance. A beautifully performed monologue by outstanding actor of the show, Odgers, offers a meditation on missed chances and the silence we carry with us.
A nearby audience member commented that the show “evidently maintains a clever, fresh and polished concept”, which is undoubtable – the attention to detail, right down to Bedlam Theatre being printed on the seats, is exceptional. Overall, backed by a talented cast and creative set design, this show delivers an innovative take on the disaster that is nuclear war, alongside the mystery that is humanity.
A Powerful Message on Mortality and Identity
The End of the Line runs at Bedlam Theatre
Running time: Sixty minutes without interval
Photo credit: Andrew Perry
Review by Eve Nugent (contact@corrblimey.uk)
An undergraduate French student at the University of Edinburgh, Eve has a diverse interest in theatre and performance. Her primary devotion is acting, predominantly at Bedlam Theatre with her fellow students, but also with French group ‘Les Escogriffes’ who perform annually at the French Institute of Scotland.
Her creative attention stretches also to classical music, as she enjoys playing the flute, piano and guitar. She thus looks forward to watching whatever the Fringe has to offer, irrespective of genre!
