Amateurs
The Sorcerer
★★★★☆ What larks:
For careful execution and straightforward fun, it is difficult to imagine many recent productions of Gilbert and Sullivan have beaten Cat-Like Tread’s The Sorcerer at Paradise in Augustines.
Death In Venice
★★★★☆ Charming:
Death in Venice, Thomas Mann’s 1912 novella, is a graceful spin in a dance theatre adaptation full of character from Edinburgh Ballet Circle.
Neighbourhood Watch
★★★☆☆ Stately:
There is a comic and political bite to the Edinburgh Makars’ Neighbourhood Watch that gives it as much impact as other Alan Ayckbourn productions of twice the length and many times the budget.
From Broadway to Hollywood
★★★☆☆ Hearing impaired:
A few minutes into this concert by The Bohemians Lyric Opera Company at St Cuthbert’s Church I wanted to walk out. But I wanted to take the singers and musicians with me.
Sister Act
★★★☆☆ Energetic:
Sister Act, Edinburgh University Footlights’ first Fringe show in 20 years, overcomes some glitches in its staging to entertain successfully.
Outside Mullingar
★★★☆☆ Recognisably truthful:
Gentle comedy and believable emotion predominate in Arkle Theatre’s accomplished Outside Mullingar at the Royal Scots Club.
The Fair Intellectual Club
★★★★☆ Hysterical resonance:
Arkle’s take on The Fair Intellectual Club is a beautifully performed, extremely funny piece of theatre.
Improbable Fiction
★★★★☆ Varieties of fun:
Edinburgh Theatre Arts are not the only group presenting Alan Ayckbourn this year. While other productions may be more high-profile, it is unlikely they will be much more fun than this production of Improbable Fiction at St Ninian’s.
Ladies’ Day
★★★★☆ Good each-way bet
Saughtonhall Drama Club’s Ladies’ Day has warm humour, the odd spiky line and a finely put together production.
The Amorous Ambassador
★★★☆☆ A good stab:
Peppered with comic potential, Leitheatre’s production of The Amorous Ambassador clearly has a talented team behind it at the Inverleith St Serf’s Church Centre for the first fortnight of the fringe.
