Created by Third Floor Theatre
Review by Eve Nugent
Upon entering the auditorium of Zoo Playground 1, the audience finds themselves plunged into the tank of Coral and Gil – a married pair of French angelfish, struggling to get along under the claustrophobic pressures of their new home. In hope of saving their romance, they sign up for a Docuseries, filmed and projected live by Cameron Jones in a style hilariously reminiscent of The Office or This Country. Produced by Third Floor Theatre – a company born from the Manchester School of Theatre yet exuding total professionalism – this zany show is unmissable.
The story opens with the soothing voiceover of Ronnie Rivers, read by Maddie Maycock, as the two fish shudder vigorously to life. In his role of Coral, Isaac Morris is hilariously melodramatic without ever tipping into excess; with impressive consistency and extravagance, he captures the struggling wife convinced that nothing she does “is ever good enough”. Gil, brought to life by Maycock, is delivered with impeccable comedic timing and razor-sharp wit; they are instinctively funny as the nonchalant, distant husband. The duo’s chemistry is palpable – each line and gesture bounces naturally between them, edged with the comical tension of the two fish’s fragile connection.
Whilst hilarity takes centre stage – with a witty script crammed full of recurring fish jokes, and Morris’ fleeting sensual transformation into an anglerfish – this show is equally moving. Between bursts of comedy lie beautifully choreographed interludes of physicality where the fish let their guards drop and embrace – fragile and human despite their scales. Their strained relationship, pushed to its limits by the confines of a tank, cuts cleverly beneath the humour, adding depth and offering a truly multi-dimensional performance. #
This is the perfect Fringe show: a wacky concept backed by the talent and crisp execution of its two exceptional actors. The nearly full audience were in stitches throughout, testament to the skill and charm of outstanding production – a must-see this August.
An Outstanding Production
TANKED runs at ZOO Playground
Running time: Seventy minutes without interval
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!
