theSpace Venues
The Spilling Cup
★★★★☆ Bloody lovely
“Hey, little uterus, can we work together?” Sasha’s plea to her capricious organ in Dracume Theatre’s The Spilling Cup will be a familiar sentiment to anyone who’s ever dealt with having one, and especially to those who, like her, are plagued by undiagnosed medical issues of the reproductive system.
After Shakespeare: Richard III
★★☆☆☆ Flat
Billed as a staunch defence of a man maligned by Shakespeare and history alike, After Shakespeare: Richard III from Slade Wolfe Enterprises Limited succeeds only in making a rather boring play out of what was an extraordinary life.
The Signalman / M R James: Whistle and I’ll Come to you
Signalman: ★★★★☆ Thoroughly atmospheric
Whistle: ★★★☆☆ Spooky
Paragon Theatre Collective’s The Signalman and M R James: Whistle and I’ll Come to You from Blue Orange Arts are both fine examples of atmospherically spooky stage adaptations of classic short fiction.
What the F*ck Happened to Love and Hope?
★★★★☆ Devastating
What The F*ck Happened to Love and Hope? from wtfhappenedto at theSpace on the Mile for the Fringe’s last week, is raw in its emotional content. However, there is nothing undercooked about its writing, acting or directing.
Ring That Bell!
★★★★☆ Eternal
Welcome to hell! Please be seated and give your attention to the orientation presentation on your eternal stay in the centre of the earth.
Babe Alien
★★★☆☆ Weirdly fascinating
Mon Espoir’s Babe Alien is a weirdly fascinating story in which an innocent outsider living in Las Vegas, but apparently from another world, takes a critical look at American culture and behaviour.
Mary: A Gig Theatre Show
★★★☆☆ heartfelt
A blend of spoken word poetry and original songs, Mary: A Gig Theatre Show is a feminist retelling of the life of Mary, Queen of Scots. With an atmosphere like an indie music gig, this is casual, friendly, welcoming and a loving ode to a misunderstood monarch.
Well Played
★★★★☆ Snappy
Well Played from Josie Rose Productions is the kind of work you hope to see at the Fringe: new writing performed to a high standard by up and coming artists; needs work, but is getting the opportunity to grind off its rough edges in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
Man of War: The Secret Life of Nadezhda Durova
★★★★☆ Powerful
With four actors sharing the title role, Man of War: The Secret Life of Nadezhda Durova from Acting Coach Scotland is a compelling, ensemble-driven telling of the life of a man, who was a woman; a person, who was a soldier; putting aside all personal comforts for their country’s good.
Malvolio’s Fantasy
★★★☆☆ Tentative
Zuzabella Productions’ Malvolio’s Fantasy at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall is an adaptation of Shakespeare that is at its best when it is furthest from its source.
