MILES.
★★★★☆ Elegant
Summerhall (Venue 26): Thurs 31 Jul – Mon 25 Aug 2025
Review by Hugh Simpson
MILES., at Summerhall throughout the Fringe, is a well crafted exploration of the life of Miles Davis from :DELIRIUM: and Lauren Reed Productions, written and directed by the company’s artistic director Oliver Kaderbhai.
Trumpeter, composer and DJ Jay Phelps (who is credited with the play’s original concept) plays a character based at least partly on himself. He is a modern-day musician who has gone to check out the mastertapes of Davis’s 1959 modal jazz masterpiece Kind of Blue.
Benjamin Akintuyosi in MILES. Pic: Colin J Smith
Jay somehow comes across Davis himself (played by Benjamin Akintuyosi, making his professional acting debut). There follows an exploration of the nature of creativity, as well as dramatised episodes from Davis’s life.
The most well-known parts of his story up to 1959 are present and correct; the play does not shy away from the darker side of his character, such as his drug use and his treatment of women.
Both performers are extremely impressive, not only as the two main characters, but as Davis’s father, his music teacher, Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie and others. Akintuyosi is excellent at suggesting Davis’s poise (and his familiar rasp) without ever lapsing into a simple impression. Phelps provides live trumpet as well as an engaging presence.
Kaderbhai’s script is informative and artistically successful, although at times it tries to pack a little too much into the play’s hour-long running time, skating over some elements, and starting up lines of thought that are not followed through. Kaderbhai states that the play is the first version of what could become a longer production, and that potential is certainly there.
Benjamin Akintuyosi in MILES. Pic: Colin J Smith
The direction is assured and the music well integrated, with Alex Lewer’s lighting and Will Tonna’s sound design never less than thoughtful. Ellie Wintour’s design is creative, while Colin J Smith’s video design adds to the atmosphere without being intrusive.
In one sense, it is a shame that such an innovative artist as Davis is represented by what it is actually a fairly conventional piece of biographical theatre.
It is also slightly disappointing that the implicit assumption seems to be that Kind of Blue was the summit of his career. He had done impressive things before, and many would argue that his most groundbreaking work was still to come. At least the musical illustrations foreground Freddie Freeloader, steering clear of So What – which would surely have been one cliché too far.
However, it is completely unfair to judge the play on what you would prefer it to be. What has been created is a coherent and illuminating piece of theatre.
Running time: One hour (no interval).
Summerhall (Tech Cube 0), 1 Summerhall, EH9 1PL. (Venue 26).
Thursday 31 July – Monday 25 August 2025.
Daily (not Tues 12): 6.00 pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Book here on Love the Fringe.com*.
*affiliate link.
Summerhall website: https://www.summerhallarts.co.uk/
Facebook: @DeliriumTheatre
Jay Phelps with Benjamin Akintuyosi in MILES. Pic: Colin J Smith
ENDS
