Listings January 24 – 31
Listings for week Sunday 24 – Sunday 31 January 2016:
It’s a bit of a slow week in Edinburgh’s theatres, although there’s plenty of activity beneath the surface as the casting calls for fringe productions are coming thick and fast!
That’s not to say that the four individual productions are not all must-see in their own rights.
The Glenn Miller Story at Edinburgh Playhouse. Photo: Pamela Raith
The big opener is at the Playhouse, where the music legend Tommy Steele is staring in the title role of The Glenn Miller Story. Complete with a 16 piece big band, it should be a slick bit of work.
Fascinating stuff at the Bedlam, where the EUTC is staging Europe, David Greig’s breakthrough play about borders and refugees. Written as a response to the civil wars in the Balkans, it has a strong relevance today.
The King’s (note that, opera fans, not the Festival) has Scottish Opera’s new work, The Devil Inside, created by novelist Louise Welsh and composer Stuart MacRae.
Not to forget that The Weir continues at the Lyceum as part of the company’s 50th anniversary season. And very good indeed it is too. Well worth 100 minutes of your time!
As always, click on the name of the show to go to its ticketing site.
Bedlam Theatre
11b Bristo Place, EH1 1EZ
Europe
Weds 27/Thurs 28: 7.30pm.
Two refugees, a father and a daughter, arrive on the platform of a deteriorating station in the borders of Europe. Their arrival is a catalyst for the inhabitants of the town; they are met with a diverse mixture of intrigue, fear, bitterness and envy. David Greig’s play is as relevant now, as ever.
King’s Theatre
2 Leven Street EH3 9LQ. Phone booking: 0131 529 6000
The Devil Inside
Fri 29/Sat 30: 7.15pm.
Scottish Opera take on this tale of greed and compulsion, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s short story The Bottle Imp. Created by novelist Louise Welsh and composer Stuart MacRae, whose creative partnership was born in Five:15 Operas Made in Scotland and last seen in Ghost Patrol (2012).
Lyceum Theatre
Grindlay Street EH3 9AX. Phone booking: 0131 248 48488
The Weir
Tue 19 Jan – Sat 6 Feb.
Daily Tue-Sat: 7.30pm. Matinees Wed, Sat: 2pm
Amanda Gaughan directs Conor McPherson’s award winning tale set in Brendan’s Bar in County Leitrim. When a young woman arrives from Dublin, the fellas impress her with their local ghost stories – but as the night draws in, Valerie will share a haunting tale of her own.
Æ verdict: ★★★★☆ Quietly affecting
“Thought-provoking, absorbing and impeccably acted”, says Hugh.
Playhouse
18 – 22 Greenside Place, EH1 3AA. Phone booking: 0844 871 3014
The Glenn Miller Story
Tue 26 – Sat 30
Daily: 7.30pm. Matinees: Weds 27, Sat 30: 2.30pm.
Music legend Tommy Steele stars in this tale of the world’s most famous big band leader, who vanished over the English Channel 70 years ago, as he flew to Paris to entertain the troops during the Second World War. “Featuring a spectacular 16 piece orchestra plus sensational performers and dazzling choreography”.
Æ’s verdict: ★★☆☆☆ Ill-judged
“As a piece of theatre it is undistinguished, and it has been conceived as a vehicle for someone who, while undoubtedly talented, is unsuited for their role” says Hugh.
ENDS
