Created by Unqualified Design Studio ★★★★ Who shall cast the first stone? Strictly, the performative elements of Without Sin lay resoundingly in the hands of the participants, such being the nature of an immersive experience. There are introductory elements and closure to the piece, narrated well and aided tremendously in soothing wary ‘sinners’ into the make-shift confessional … Continue reading Without Sin – Summerhall Courtyard
Written by David Ireland Directed by Gareth Nicholls ★★★★ Recently, the act of being offended has become blasé. People are offended by movie remakes, and television programmes – hell quite often a social media post about cake toppings can cause riots. The term ‘offended’ however, has a place in Ulster American which returns to the Traverse after … Continue reading Ulster American – Traverse Theatre
https://youtu.be/jPr7wLXy084 Written by David Ireland Directed by Andy Arnold ★★★★ The cautionary content warnings which come alongside Tron Theatre’s production of David Ireland’s Cyprus Avenue are not to be ignored. This is stated more for those unfamiliar with Ireland’s award-winning productions, which range widely in their use of violence, humour, and the discomfiting to drive home aspects … Continue reading Cyprus Avenue – Tron Theatre
Written by Brian Friel Directed by Aisling Matthews and Catriona Maclachlan ★★★★ Language is everything. To lose it is to cripple the communication of love, autonomy, and identity. To control it, to manipulate someone, a culture, or a nation’s tongue is to exhibit an ultimate form of authority. And it’s something generations of solely-native English … Continue reading Translations – Bedlam Theatre
Written by Rona Munro Directed by Michael Duke ★★★★ From Cumbernauld to the Lothians to the borough of Camden – Scottish playwright Rona Munro’s exceptional talents are spreading across the country as James IV has its world-premiere this week in Edinburgh at the Festival Theatre, with Mary set to open towards the end of October at Hampstead Theatre. But … Continue reading Bold Girls – Cumbernauld Lanternhouse
Written by Martin McDonagh Directed by Lyn McAndrew ★★★★ Family just ain’t all it's cracked up to be, is it? But if you think you’ve had it bad, wait until you see what Maureen must put up with. At the beck and call of her mother: making tea, porridge, and stirring the Complan. Or is … Continue reading The Beauty Queen of Leenane – The Brunton Theatre
https://youtu.be/wc_WWv4eBYE Written & Directed by Martyn Robertson UK/2021/78mins ★★★★ When we first encounter Ben Larg, he is twelve, and embarking on a journey to Japan to take part in the under eighteen's world surfing championships. The Scottish champion has been entering competitions since he was eleven, and quite openly and humbly – accepts that he … Continue reading Ride The Wave – Review
Written by Michael John O’Neill Directed by Katherine Nesbitt ★★★★★ The determination to maintain an intimate monologue to the level This Is Paradise offers is a rare feat of theatre. Even the most prolific monologue pieces suffer their ebb and flow of quality. But not this. Michael John O’Neill’s scipt is something remarkable. Upon the request of … Continue reading This Is Paradise – Traverse Theatre
Written by Brian Foster ★★★★★ Look down; you’ll see a sea of people you can’t look in the eye. Perhaps you’ve invented a text on your phone, or maybe you suddenly have to itch the right side of your face. We’ve all done it. We’ve all felt the momentary blip of guilt. But for once, … Continue reading Myra’s Story – Assembly Spiegeltent Palais du Variété
https://youtu.be/yj5DP6rqyN4 Directed by Eion Macken Ireland USA/ 2020/96 mins ★★ Unable to separate itself from the distinctly obvious inspirations of Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting, Here Are The Young Men lowers the age of the principal cast and centres on three lads finishing school and emerging into the cruel and waiting world. The transgression of youth is a staple of cinematic … Continue reading Here Are The Young Men – Review
