Hugh Simpson
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.
Local Hero
★★★☆☆ Charming:
Local Hero, the Lyceum’s co-production with the Old Vic, has the authenticity and drive one would expect considering the source material, but fails to add much that is new.
The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds
★★★☆☆ Inexact science:
Arkle’s production of Paul Zindel’s The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds at the Hill Street Theatre is an uneven but ultimately fulfilling exploration of angry insecurities and brittle dreams.
The Cemetery Club
★★★★☆ Gravely good:
The Cemetery Club is a low-key, deeply traditional play, but in the hands of Edinburgh People’s Theatre it has a gentle resonance that is rather affecting.
My Fair Lady
★★★★☆ Loverly:
Southern Light Opera’s My Fair Lady at the King’s is a sumptuously staged production. It also boasts a truly outstanding central performance; if the rest is a little overshadowed as a result, it is nevertheless highly impressive.
Pippin
★★★☆☆ Overambitious:
There is a great deal of vocal talent on show in the EUTC’s production of Pippin at the Bedlam. However, some ill-judged staging choices conspire against the production, resulting in a definite curate’s egg.
Sherlock Holmes: The Final Reckoning
★★★★☆ Elegant:
Twisted Thistle’s production for Annexe Arts Hub’s Formation Festival at the Assembly Roxy, is an intriguing and beautifully presented exploration of the characters of Edinburgh-born Arthur Conan Doyle.
Ulster American
★★★★☆ Hard Hitting:
Trailing clouds of glory from 2018, David Ireland’s Ulster American has returned to the Traverse with a bang. If it is not quite as good as some have said, it is still impressive – and certainly is impressively nasty.
Art
★★★★☆ Sparkling:
Art, at the King’s until Saturday, is everything a high-profile touring show should be – a carefully thought out, well-directed production of a hit play featuring a big-name cast at the top of their game.
