This charismatic, coming of age journey is skillfully performed and deftly devised. It challenges the audience to consider how liberals centre themselves in coming-out narratives, and question if tolerance is enough to end systemic oppression. Axel Ingi Árnason and Bjarni Snæbjörnsson in Good Morning, Faggi. Photo Credit: Leifur Wilberg. Good Morning, Faggi is the kind... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 Theatre Review: Stuntman (Summerhall) ★★★
An exploration of masculinity, violence and physicality-over-emotion, Stuntman is an engaging piece. Rooted in action movies, 80s classics, and drawing on personal stories, performers Sadiq Ali and David Banks impress with their agility and charisma. David Banks and Sadiq Ali in Stuntman. Photo Credit: Brian Hartley. A satirical duet where two men wrestle with their... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 Theatre Review: Baklâ (Summerhall) ★★★★
A searing exploration of colonialism, identity and sexuality, Max Percy's solo show examines intergenerational trauma and its effect on the modern Filipino. Max Percy in Baklâ. Photo Credit: Northwall Arts Centre. Max Percy is an engaging performer, whether talking with ease to the audience or affecting a breathtaking piece of rope work. Both skills are... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 Theatre Review: Sea Words (Summerhall) ★★★
Roll up, roll up, it's time for the play. Or is it? When only half of the double act is willing to appear, how will the show go on? Olly Gully in Sea Words. Photo Credit: Stephanie Mackrill. Chris bounds onto the stage: high-energy, camp and irreverant. Part of a mother and son partnership that... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 Theatre Review: Salty Irina (Summerhall) ★★★
If you have ever wondered what goes on at a Far Right gathering, you will be in good company at Salty Irina. Following a newly minted queer couple into the belly of the beast, this tale shows their loss of innocence, and how they are galvanised into enduring action. Yasemin Özdemir and Hannah Van Der... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain (Roundabout @ Summerhall) ★★★
A poetic fable about an immigration system not dissimilar to the UK’s own, Sami Ibrahim’s A Sudden Violent Burst of Rain uses a fairytale premise to dissect the realities of the hostile environment. Utilising dreamy movement, storytelling and direct address, this story feels both other-worldly and pointedly terrestrial. Princess Khumalo & Sara Hazemi. Photo credit:... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: The Chosen Haram (Summerhall) ★★★★★
A dynamic exploration of faith, sexuality and addiction, Sadiq Ali's The Chosen Haram is a beautiful, affecting piece of physical theatre. Powerful, strong and sensual work that both challenges and entertains. Hauk Pattison and Sadiq Ali. Photo credit: Glen McCarty. Drawing on Ali’s personal experiences, and interviews with members of the LGBTQ+ community who identify... Continue Reading →
Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022 Theatre Review: Sap (Roundabout @ Summerhall) ★★★★★
When a woman tells a little lie, she can have no idea of the ways that it will germinate, sprout and grow. This new take on ancient mythology creates a Metamorphoses for the modern era, examining the power of shame and the roots it can take in all aspects of a person’s life. Funny, dark... Continue Reading →
Theatre Review: Sex Education (Summerhall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe) ★★★★★
Harry Clayton-Wright has made a magnificent hour of theatrical storytelling that his mum should DEFINITELY never see. From graphic self-porn to personal revelations, Sex Education is a laugh out loud show with some thoughtful audience participation and a stunning climax.
Theatre Review: First Time (Summerhall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe) ★★★★
Do you remember your first time? Nathaniel Hall certainly does, and finally, he is willing to share it all.