1902

Aug 17 2025 | By Flora Henderson More

★★★★☆ Authentic

Hibernian Supporters Club (Venue 499a): Sat 2 – Sun 24 Aug 2025
Review by Flora Henderson

After five sell-out Fringe runs, a UK-wide tour, and winning two awards, Saltire Sky’s 1902 returns to the Hibernian FC Supporters’ Club in Abbeyhill for the whole Fringe, to mark Hibs’ 150th anniversary.

Set in 2016, the story follows four of Hibs’ die-hard supporters as they attempt to secure tickets to the Scottish Cup Final, which the team had not won since 1902. Amongst classic laddish banter, the four are forced to deal with dodgy characters, navigate cracks in their friendship, and face up to reality.

Nathan Scott-Dunn as Sambo. Pic: Sands Stirling.

The audience is immediately immersed in the world of the play as it takes place in the Pat Stanton Suite, a working bar in the club. Saltires, Hibs flags, and a sign proclaiming that “Mrs Mercer’s got a dildo in her drawer”, all help to firmly establish the setting of the Dug and Duck in Bonnyrigg. Underscoring the piece with a range of Proclaimers’ songs, football chants, and instrumental pieces, Sandy Bain adds atmosphere with his clear voice and proficient guitar playing.

One by one the gang is introduced through a series of direct address monologues, a stylised choice which blends well with the naturalistic group scenes. Taking the lead in this exposition is Calum Manchip as Derek ‘Deeks’ Longstaff, and along with Nathan Scott-Dunn (Sambo), Josh Brock (Frankie), and Samuel Lee-Johnson (Zippy), an authentic depiction of male friendship is created.

inherent credibility

Each character brings something unique, accentuating the piece’s inherent credibility. Manchip manages to portray Deeks’ helplessness with subtlety and nuance, hiding this behind bravado and an apparent lack of concern for his friends. Brock is endearing, as Frankie manages to maintain a sunny disposition even in the face of harsh treatment from the other members of the gang.

Josh Brock as Frankie. Pic: Sands Stirling.

As the audience meets Craig Turnbull (Jonny Tulloch) for the first time, the truth of the sticky situation the gang have got themselves into becomes apparent. Tulloch is scarily believable as the unstable gangster, with crazed eyes and physical mannerisms that, whilst heightened, remain convincing. However, his gravelly vocal quality and persistent high volume can become draining, and could do with some variation.

The dialogue is snappy and the performers keep the energy levels up throughout the show. The co-direction of Nathan Scott-Dunn and Sands Stirling ensures that transitions between scenes are seamless, and moments of ensemble movement and choral speaking are tight without seeming cliché.

impressive thug

Another impressive thug is found in Sands Stirling as Tony Longstaff, Deeks’ drug dealing brother. Expertly handling the tricky task of appearing to be under the influence, Stirling finds the perfect equilibrium between the character’s outward macho and inner turmoil.

Rachel Macpherson-Graham as Mags. Pic: Sands Stirling.

The sole female character, Mags (Rachel Macpherson-Graham), risks being played purely for laughs with her intentionally unintelligible Irish accent. However, she comes into her own towards the end of the play, showing a touching affection for the lads she serves, as well as an interesting insight into their behaviour.

There is only one thing detracting from the play’s poignant impact – the ending is slightly too drawn out, and risks slipping into the common fault of telling the audience what to think.

touching

Nevertheless, the closing rendition of Sunshine on Leith is touching, rounding off a play which aptly paints a picture of the vicious cycle amongst men whose only way to express emotion is through violence.

Running time: One hour and 40 minutes (Including one interval).
Hibernian Supporters Club (Pat Stanton Suite), 11 Sunnyside EH7 5RA (Venue 499a).
Sat 2 – Sun 24 August 2025.
Daily (Not Weds 6, 13, 20): 7.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.

Saltire Sky website: www.saltireskytheatre.com
Instagram: @saltireskytheatre
Linktree: @saltireskytheatre
X: @SaltireSkyTC