list.co.uk/festival Reviews | FESTIVAL THEATRE
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THE COLLECTOR A tale from the Arabian nightmares ●●●●● FACTOR 9 A shocking true story told in detail ●●●●●
MY OBSESSION Short and sweet half-hour comedy show ●●●●●
Despite three strong central performances, and a twisting plot that explores the moral compromises made by both Iraqis and Americans in the aftermath of the Gulf War, The Collector loses much of its impact due to its pedestrian direction. Following the story of an Iraqi translator in the notorious prisons following the American occupation, Henry Naylor’s script is less satire and horror than an examination of the ways in which a man’s life can be corrupted by the competing forces of freedom and community. Nazir, inspired by hip- hop and the ideals of democracy, signs up with the invading force, only to be drawn into a sinister world of threats and torture.
Prepare to be physically shaken by Factor 9. The show from Inverness' Dogstar Theatre – which has already toured to rave reviews – alternately elicits tears, nausea and trembling rage that this true story could ever have been allowed to happen. It tells the shamefully under-discussed tale of haemophiliacs in Britain who in the 1970s and 1980s were given contaminated blood products; thousands went on to develop Hepatitis C or HIV. Directed by Grid Iron's Ben Harrison, Factor 9
concentrates on the stories of Scottish victims Bruce Norval and Robert Mackie who – unlike many of their contemporaries – are still alive and searching for justice from Westminster and Holyrood.
A series of short monologues, it is undermined Emily James' set is a wonderful cross between a
by the ponderous staging and lack of theatrical flair: while the actors follow the script’s descent into darkness, the procession of them on and off stage in turn grinds the narrative to a predictable crawl. The rhyming introduction and finale suggests a clear despairing vision and frames the drama in a historical context, yet the story moves when it is most about Nazir and his family’s personal tragedy. (Gareth K Vile) ■ Gilded Balloon Teviot, 622 6552, until 25 Aug (not 11), 4.30pm, £10–£11 (£9–£10). retro super-computer and a ghoulish medical lab. Some powerful revelations could be left to linger a little longer before the next scene, but it's Matthew Zajac and Stewart Porter's turns as Bruce and Rab that really bring the tragedy to bear. Their bitter, furious and desperately sad portrayals will hopefully stimulate greater awareness of the tragedy and finally bring some answers to light. (Yasmin Sulaiman) ■ Summerhall, 560 1581, until 24 Aug, (not 11, 18), 1.55pm, £12–£13 (£8).
It feels rather apt to be watching My Obsession in Edinburgh during the Fringe. This half hour show, about an obsessed fan who breaks into a stand- up’s hotel room in the middle of the night, muses on comedians’ relationship to fame and their fans. We can only imagine that such contemplations are happening in hotel rooms across the city at this time of year.
Written by Suki Webster and starring herself
and her husband Paul Merton (in his first Fringe theatre role), My Obsession begins with Webster’s character (a super-fan who has memorised every fact she’s ever come across about her favourite funny-man), sneaking into the room of Danny Heywood, a resentful, middle-aged comic who’s never quite managed to break into television. Over the next 30 minutes the two discover that the other is not quite who they initially thought. It’s an enjoyable but slight drama with a handful
of memorable gags and a great ‘reveal’ towards the end. And being in such an intimate space with these two recognisable comedy faces will be a thrill to fans of the two stars – just don’t stalk them back to their hotel room after. (Gail Tolley) ■ Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 16 Aug, 14.30, £7-£9 (£6-£8).
CUCKOOED A timely personal tale from activist comedian Mark Thomas ●●●●●
A Perrier Award nominee in 1992 – the year that Steve Coogan won it – Mark Thomas’ comedy has always been inseparable from his activism. And since his multiple award-winning Bravo Figaro – an emotional show about his father’s love of opera, and his first play at the Traverse – his theatre’s gone the political route too. Last year’s 100 Acts of Minor Dissent was about, well, exactly that. And this year’s offering, directed by Emma Callander, has that trademark Thomas blend of raw humour, emotion and ultimately a strong call to address injustice. Cuckooed, he tells us, is based on the absolutely true story of his friend and fellow activist, Martin, who turned out to be a spy for BAE Systems, Britain’s biggest arms manufacturer – though Martin has, to date, never admitted this.
Thomas relates the saga in typically entertaining style, using
his natural comedic talents to draw the audience deeper into his tale – though it feels like everyone here is on his side already. His re-enactments of his arms trade protests with Martin are exhilarating, making the betrayal that’s to come even more poignant. But it’s not just Thomas’ story; his monologue is broken up with clips of video interviews from friends in the activist community who were also close to Martin, each of whom has their own contribution to the tale.
It’s a stirring show, aided by a witty set design. Thomas’ performance is impassioned but not railing and his dedication to activism against the arms trade really shines through amidst his personal hurt. The strongest moment comes at the end when Thomas widens his net to show just how much spying has affected the lives of Britain’s activists – and asks how long we can let it continue. (Yasmin Sulaiman) ■ Traverse, 228 1404, until Aug 24 (not 11, 18), various times, £19 (£14).
7–14 Aug 2014 THE LIST FESTIVAL 89