Author: Hugh Simpson
![The Duchess [of Malfi]](http://www.alledinburghtheatre.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2.-Angus-Miller-as-Ferdinand-and-Kirsty-Stuart-as-The-Duchess.-Photo-credit-Mihaela-Bodlovic-190x127.jpg "The Duchess [of Malfi]")
The Duchess [of Malfi]
★★★★☆ Necessarily nightmarish:
The blood-soaked events of The Duchess [of Malfi], a co-production between the Lyceum and the Citizens Theatre, are almost unwatchably intense at times. As a depiction of timeless and timely considerations, however, this production is hard to beat.
Lost At Sea
★★★★☆ Poignant:
Perth Theatre’s production of Lost At Sea, at the King’s until Wednesday, is emotional, humane and beautifully staged.
The Comedy About A Bank Robbery
★★★☆☆ Spectacular:
There are plenty of laughs to be had in the touring Comedy About A Bank Robbery at the King’s. There are also a couple of gasp-inducing coups de theatre.
The Worst Witch
★★★★☆ Magical:
The joy and energy that low-budget children’s theatre often possesses can sometimes be dissipated when a comparatively large budget comes in, with a corresponding desire to please larger audiences. This is emphatically not the case with the touring production of The Worst Witch, which is high-octane, clever and extremely enjoyable.
Fondly Remembered
★★★★☆ Involving:
Edinburgh Theatre Arts’ Fondly Remembered, at St Ninian’s until Saturday, is a production of considerable charm and emotional truth.
What Girls Are Made Of
★★★★★ Joyous:
Bursting with emotion and tuneful energy, the return to the Traverse of What Girls Are Made Of is a thing of wonder.
Abigail’s Party
★★★☆☆ Glossy:
There are plenty of laughs to be had in the production of Abigail’s Party which finishes an extensive UK tour this week at the King’s. Not surprisingly, many of them are laughs of embarrassment.
Prescription For Murder
★★★☆☆ Pleasing:
Prescription For Murder, from the Edinburgh Makars at the Church Hill Theatre, is one of those odd English crime dramas that provide more reassurance than apprehension.
PPP: Chic Murray: A Funny Place For A Window
★★★★☆ Fitting tribute:
As you might expect, there are plenty of laughs in Chic Murray: A Funny Place For A Window. What is less expected is a touching and beautifully acted love story.
Nightmare
★★★☆☆ Oddly enjoyable:
A frankly implausible plot, that breaks several of the cardinal rules of crime fiction, is largely overcome by the committed performances in Saughtonhall Drama Group’s Nightmare.
