Note Of Concern
★★★★☆ Comical
theSpace on the Mile (Venue 39): Mon 11 -Sat 16 Aug 2025
Review by Eilidh Sim
Fast Snail Productions’ Note of Concern, at theSpace on the Mile for the middle week of the Fringe, is a humorous and entertaining performance about a school reunion, which doesn’t go as planned.
Written by Will Evans and Jordan Monks, the production follows a school reunion, where Alec and Scott meet after seven years, in the classroom of their least favourite teacher. Trying to leave the room, the door handle breaks, and the pair are left looking for a way out.
Jordan Monks and Will Evans in Note of Concern. Pic: Fast Snail.
Director Stephanie Austin makes effective use of the staging, with the constants on the stage being two desks, a chair, a blackboard, and a door leading into the teachers cupboard, in addition to props such as two cans of beer and pieces of paper. These allow for depth in the scene, despite the set remaining minimal.
The performance starts with the reunion of Alec and Scott, old friends from school who haven’t spoken in almost seven years. Once the pair find themselves locked in the classroom, they begin to uncover clues left by their former teacher, delving into the reality of their lives and friendship that has been left behind. They spend their time searching for a way out while also reminiscing about their time at high school.
radiating confidence
Jordan Monks is comical as Alec, uncertain of his reasoning for coming to the reunion from the beginning. Monks successfully executes the comedic aspects of his character, perfectly delivering these lines, however drawing back when necessary as to not overdo it.
Will Evans is a witty Scott, the calmer and more confident of the pair, who is delighted to be at the reunion. Evans perfectly executes the hilarity of his character through the delivery of his lines, radiating the confidence and charming qualities of his character.
Jordan Monks and Will Evans in Note of Concern. Pic: Fast Snail.
The contrast between the characters allows for a convincing and believable portrayal. The pair create a light hearted atmosphere through their comedy, which shifts midway through the performance. Tension is created successfully through bickering between the pair, where they become increasingly louder and begin to talk over one another, their energy never faltering even in brief moments of silence.
While the use of space in the performance was successful, there were a couple moments where the door to the room was used as the door to the classroom, and upon standing at the door trying to get out, the audience had to turn to see what was happening.
It is clear in Austin’s direction throughout the production, that comedy isn’t the only theme being portrayed during the play. At surface level the production is played as comedic and lighthearted, however there is a deeper meaning of betrayal and how much you really know the people you were at school with.
Note of Concern is an exceptional piece of theatre that manages to combine both comedy and sincerity.
Running time: 45 minutes (no interval).
theSpace on the Mile (Space 2), 80 High Street EH1 1TH (Venue 39).
Monday 11 – Saturday 16 August 2025.
Daily: 6.30pm.
Tickets and details: Book here on EdFringe.com.
Facebook: @FastSnailProductions
Instagram: @_fastsnailproductions
Linktree: @fastsnailproductions
ENDS
