Rob Shields
Around the World in 80 Days
★★★☆☆ Enjoyable
Arkle’s Around the World in 80 Days, at the Royal Scots Club in Fringe Week Two, is a straightforward piece of family-friendly theatre. Inventive and committed, it has its drawbacks, but is always fun.
How I Learned to Drive
★★★★☆ Difficult
How I Learned to Drive, from Arkle at the Royal Scots Club for the Fringe’s second week, is a challenging piece staged with due care and skill.
The Importance of Being Earnest
★★★☆☆ Spirited
Arkle’s production of The Importance of Being Earnest at the Royal Scots Club has a headlong momentum that impresses, even if it is not always ideally suited to the play.
Pressure
★★★★☆ Energetic and intense
David Haig’s Pressure, focusing on two British obsessions: the weather and World War Two, had its world première at the Lyceum in 2014 and is now revived by Arkle at the Hill Street Theatre until Saturday.
Tay Bridge
★★★★☆ Compelling
There is a confidence to the staging and performing of Tay Bridge, from Arkle at the Royal Scots Club for one week, that is thoroughly involving.
Silent Night
★★★★☆ Warming
Silent Night, from Arkle at the Royal Scots Club for one week only, is a cheering and beautifully assembled production.
The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds
★★★☆☆ Inexact science:
Arkle’s production of Paul Zindel’s The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds at the Hill Street Theatre is an uneven but ultimately fulfilling exploration of angry insecurities and brittle dreams.
