Blooming
★★★☆☆ Endearing
Greenside @ George Street (Venue 236): Mon 18 – Sat 23 Aug
Review by Flora Henderson
With a cast of Fringe first-timers, Daisy Ensemble brings Blooming to Greenside @ George Street for the final week of the Fringe.
The play covers a week in the ‘Blooming’ flower shop, exploring the friendship between its two owners, and a budding romance with the local baker. Comedic overtones are paired with some more pensive scenes, creating a piece that is a tender investigation into sapphic yearning, female friendship, and following your dreams.
Chloe Horne, CJ Adebayo Omoaka and Manon Lavastre. Pic: Daisy Ensemble
From the beginning it is clear to see where the play’s title comes from – the set (designed by Phoebe Wiseman) is adorned with an array of floral decorations which help to establish the location. Other elements such as the sofa, radio, and vases all tie together to create a homely atmosphere, setting the tone for the ensuing dialogue.
First on stage is Manon Lavastre as Ophelia, who is soon joined by Chloe Horne as Zaria. Horne has a dynamic stage presence, and brings the necessary energy which is sometimes lacking from Lavastre’s performance. The pair have good chemistry, and Zaria’s frustration is palpable as she tries to get Ophelia to focus on running the florist rather than pining after Dera (CJ Adebayo Omoaka).
Omoaka’s first appearance is undermined by an overwhelmingly awkward interaction with Ophelia, featuring an abundance of breathless hesitations and nervous giggles. Whilst the early stages of love can undoubtedly involve uncomfortable and embarrassing moments, this exchange places the characters in a heightened world which is not in-keeping with the play’s style.
small details
The lack of credibility is exacerbated by small errors in the script. A key example is found in both Ophelia and Dera relating Jane Austen to the Victorian era, and another in Zaria mentioning in the same short scene that they need to open the shop, but also that it is time to go home. On their own, these seem like small details, but they pull the audience out of the play’s world and draw focus from the relationships that are supposed to be at the forefront.
Chloe Horne and Manon Lavastre. Pic: Daisy Ensemble
However, as Dera and Ophelia’s relationship blossoms, Omoaka finds their time to shine. Delving into the stresses of navigating family life with the beginnings of romance, they portray this conflict with nuance and truth, creating a three-dimensional and sympathetic character.
As the play comes to its conclusion, some plot points feel slightly rushed. There is a feeling of the narrative being pushed towards a happy ending, but it is still left open-ended enough to allow the audience to daydream about what might happen next for these three characters.
Despite the play’s shortcomings, the resounding feeling of queer joy it creates can’t be faulted, and Daisy Ensemble definitely has potential for future Fringe runs.
Running time: 55 minutes (no interval).
Greenside @ George Street (Fern Studio), The Royal Society of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street EH2 2PQ (Venue 236).
Monday 18 – Saturday 23 August 2025.
Daily: 2pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Instagram: @bloomingtheplay
CJ Adebayo Omoaka. Pic: Daisy Ensemble
ENDS
