Reviews
Revelations of Rab McVie
★★★★☆ Fascinating
It is difficult to describe Revelations of Rab McVie – at the Traverse for two nights only – in a way that does this fascinating production justice. ‘Gig theatre’ too often suggests something either ramshackle or frighteningly ‘progressive’, while the piece’s own publicity, ‘an immersive journey through a psychedelic dreamscape’, also has unfortunate connotations.
The Yeomen of the Guard
★★★★☆ A classic with clarity
The good men and women of Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society do more than yeoman service as they present arguably the greatest Savoy opera at the Festival Theatre.
Moonset
★★★☆☆ Brave
Moonset, Maryam Hamidi’s coming-of-age story from the Citizens Theatre at the Traverse, is full of fire and anger. Its wilful refusal to settle down proves both a strength and a weakness.
Anything Goes
★★★★☆ Impressive
Forth Children’s Theatre’s production of the evergreen musical Anything Goes at the Edinburgh Tabernacle is performed impressively and with an infectious glee.
Bring It On
★★★★☆ Smashed it
Edinburgh University Footlights give a big, entertaining and generally well thought-through take on Bring It On, at the Pleasance Theatre all week to Saturday.
All Shook Up
★★★★☆ Energetic
The Bohemians Lyric Opera Company’s presentation of the Elvis Presley jukebox musical All Shook Up at the Church Hill is a riotous and fun-packed affair.
Love Beyond (Act of Remembrance)
★★★★☆ Beautifully poignant
The Raw Material / Vanishing Point production of the world premier of Ramesh Meyyappan’s Love Beyond (Act of Remembrance) is a beautifully poignant contribution to this year’s Manipulate Festival.
Macbeth (an undoing)
★★★☆☆ Intriguing
Macbeth (an undoing), by Zinnie Harris after William Shakespeare at the Lyceum, is the latest in a long line of rewritings of Macbeth. While it is undoubtedly thought-provoking, it ends up more perplexing than engrossing.
40/40
★★★★☆ Joyful inspiration
Two Destination Language’s 40/40, at the Fruitmarket Gallery as part of the Manipulate festival before a mini tour, is full of optimism and fun, providing a truly joyful inspiration.
We Will Hear the Angels
Work in Progress
Chaos reigns, or at least that is the illusion, in the opening scenes of Magnetic North’s We Will Hear the Angels, playing as a work in progress for two performances only at the Fruitmarket gallery.
