ARCLIGHT. To 19 August.

Edinburgh 2007 Fringe.

ARCLIGHT
devised by the company.

The Vault To 19 August 2007.
Everyday. 6.35pm
Runs 50min. No interval.

TICKETS. 08452 26 27 21 or Fringe BO 0131 226 0000.
Review Thelma Good 14 August 2007.

Recognisable characters, problems with construction, interesting new venue.
Devised by Squagulate, a very new group of Edinburgh actors, this piece shows six characters on Hogmanay (Scottish New Year’s Eve) when the official street party is cancelled. Some of the story happens that night, but parts are flashbacks that help to understand why the characters find another New Year draws them in difficult directions.

Formed in April this year, some Squagulate’s actors are more confident than others but all have their moments in their recognisable characters. The main strand of the story, concerning a married man whose Saturday football pleasure isn’t actually the game, is fairly well worked out. But leaving the Dad, who hasn’t seen his daughter for years, and the young woman he meets then insults at the bus stop, unconnected is unsatisfying when all the rest joins up. In this simple production Riz Carranza’s music works well. I just wonder why they called it Arclight when Auld Lang Syne (almost as near in the alphabet for an early entry in the Fringe Programme) would fit better.

The Vault, a new venue, is small but could have possibilities as a simple venue for new companies year round. It is surprising but true that Edinburgh, bursting with venues during the Fringe, becomes a near desert for small, cash-strapped companies the rest of the year. Fingers crossed that some or at least one will find a way to be there for local theatre ambitions to develop.

Aidan: Ross Wright.
Beth: Steph Morris.
Chris: Lynsey McAfee.
Colin: Dave McDConnachie.
Elizabeth: Nicole Graham.
Kriss/Matt: Rik Carranza.

Director: Mike Gibb.
Original Music: Rik Carranza.

2007-08-17 12:12:28