Author: Hugh Simpson
Wild Rose
★★★★★ Triumphant
New musical Wild Rose is the last show of David Greig’s eight years as Artistic Director of the Lyceum and it is an absolute triumph.
Spring Awakening
★★★☆☆ Ambitious
Spring Awakening, from Theatre Paradok at the Bedlam, is an earnest and ambitious production that does not always succeed despite some accomplished performances.
PPP: Kev Campbell Was He
★★★☆☆ Engaging
Kev Campbell Was He, the latest Play, Pie and a Pint from Òran Mór at the Traverse, is an engaging and gently political production.
The Testament of Gideon Mack
★★★☆☆ Meandering
Dogstar’s touring production of The Testament of Gideon Mack is involving and thoroughly accomplished but simply too long to be entirely convincing.
PPP: Dookin’ Oot
★★★★☆ Beautifully vulgar
Dookin’ Oot by Éimi Quinn, the first in the new season of Play, Pie and a Pint from Òran Mór at the Traverse, is a very funny and deceptively serious piece.
Road
★★★★☆ Emotionally resonant
The EUTC production of Road at the Bedlam is far too long and distinctly baggy in places. It is also vibrant, accomplished and compelling.
Under Milk Wood
★★★★☆ Accomplished
EUTC’s staging of Under Milk Wood, at the Bedlam until Saturday, is a beautifully realised and engaging piece of theatre.
Much Ado About Nothing
★★★☆☆ Energetic
The Edinburgh University Shakespeare Company’s Much Ado About Nothing at the Pleasance is a good-natured if uneven production.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
★★★★☆ Pure imagination
Balerno Theatre Company’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Church Hill may not be a traditional Christmas show but certainly provides a large helping of festive cheer.
4Play 2024: One
Fuckers: ★★★★☆ Scabrous
Colours Run: ★★★☆☆ Promising
Edinburgh-based new writing showcase 4Play returns to the Traverse this week. This time round, the plays are described as full-length developed pieces, although there is still an air of the unfinished at times.
