@ Constitution Bar, Leith, until Sat 20 Jun 2015
A political comedy theatre show about Scottish independence can go wrong in so many ways. However, SpartaKi make it work for the nearly full house stuffed in the back room of Constitution Bar as part of Leith Festival. On a Jeremy Kyle-esque talk show, Andrea and George are trying to decide if they’re better together, or saying yes to separation. In the end the decision is all down to the audience.
Sian Fiddimore who plays several supporting guests on the talk show, including Laura Leith (the best character), steals the performance with her natural abilities. Fiddimore’s tone, pacing and movement are perfect for the multiple roles she plays. George is a dead ringer for David Cameron in looks, dialogue and mannerisms, and is played by Alex Donald who has performed in films and television including NEDS, World War Z, and Monarch of the Glen. Andrea, played by Marilyn Blyth Wilson, is too melodramatic with her hand movements though. Jazz hands are likely to happen at any moment and it distracts from the performance.
Directed by Karen Douglas, the dialogue is clever and thoughtful in how it explores the touchy topic of Scottish independence and the referendum. The set and props are homemade kitsch, adding to the humor of the show, although overall it lacks momentum between its snappy beginning and upbeat ending. The frequent pre-show reminders to the audience to be in their seats on time, use the toilet and to turn mobiles off are also a little off-putting.
An entertaining show about important political issues, Leaving George is well scripted and worth a viewing. It will continue its run in September, with the dates and venue to be announced. Just make sure you go to the toilet first.
Tabatha, your name says it all. I presume you wrote this review in a dark and noisy corner of the middle class Arts bash you went to freeload from after the performance. I’m no editing expert but “the best character”? Best in what sense? Only three of the six ensemble actors have been mentioned and one has been singled out negatively. That is hurtful and degrading not only to the performer in question but to the ones who were not mentioned also. And to say that Alex Donald resembles David Cameron in any way is taking stating the obvious to a new low. His engaging and amusing Gordon Brown would have been worth a mention but then I imagine it is easier for you to use names you bandy about on a daily basis. Most disappointingly, You have failed to communicate this play’s emotional or political message and made a hash of your review by resorting to this schoolgirl style critique which neglects any form of intelligent structure. Even the Daily Mail wouldn’t publish such slop. Jazz hands are a lot less likely to happen than your imminent demise as a critic.
Adam,
We’re always happy to have feedback on reviews and people are more than welcome to disagree with our reviewers’ opinions. For that reason, I’ve published your comment, so people can hear an alternative viewpoint.
However, you have leapt to some very big and very wrong assumptions about Tabatha purely based on her name. This is, to use your terminology, ‘hurtful’ and ‘degrading’. Also, if you think we are about ‘freeloading’ at ‘middle class arts bashes’ you have also made some very big and very wrong assumptions about this website.
As an editor, I am looking for fair, even-handed, objective reviewing within a limited word count. Tabatha has provided that, as she always does. She has picked out the good and the bad as she saw it. There has been no intention to offend or insult, and within a short review it is impractical to mention every actor or every element of the performance. And, lest we forget, her conclusion was that it was ‘well scripted and worth a viewing’. Overall, it is a respectful and generally positive review.
You are free to disagree with some of her views. I might disagree myself had I seen it. But I believe Tabatha has given a fair and balanced account of the show. That’s all any reviewer can do. Your personal slurs are both uncalled for and wrong.