The Bookies
★★★☆☆ Spread bet
Summerhall (Venue 26) Thurs 1 – Mon 26 Aug 2024
Review by Sophie Good
The Bookies spins the story of a betting shop on Leith Walk, its employees and a slot machine-addicted customer in this black comedy playing at Summerhall for the duration of the fringe.
In a new production for KB Productions, following an original run at Dundee Rep in 2022, the play is co-written by Mikey Burnett and Jo McCann focussed on the gambling industry and the people caught up in it.
Dayton Mungai and Fraser Wood. Pic: KB Productions
The genre-busting play takes us through moments of black comedy, gangster heist, magical realism, extreme farcical violence, gambling, debt, drug addiction and racism with a few other stops in between.
The sense of place is strong in the piece and much of the dialogue is delivered in Edinburgh Scots, most capably led by betting shop manager Pat (Ruaraidh Murray) who is vociferous and articulate with a strong commitment to the ever-changing moods of the piece.
He is joined by co-worker John (Dayton Mungai) who is less energetic, but a good wing man and one who struggles with his own issues and ultimately aspires to a better life elsewhere.
Every day, regular customer Harry, played by Fraser Wood, comes in to play the slot mahine. Wood is at times unsure of what to do with his role. The cash Harry has ploughed into his nemesis – the glowing slot machine – is visible for all to see and a poignant reminder of the cumulative spend that these machines can drain from people.
ebbs and flows
The appearance of Michelle, played Francesca Hess as an intimidating corporate femme fatale but clearly flawed. Her human side shows through especially with the hints of a previous personal connection with Pat. It is another role which ebbs and flows throughout the piece and leaves Hess with many different motivations to work with.
The play culminates in some good twists and builds towards a dramatic and gory climax (nothing so real as to concern anyone other than the very squeamish). There are a few very funny lines – and a few which inevitably fall flatter.
It is however covering so many themes and genres and story-beats that it becomes hard to know which way to turn. The changes in character that this demands of the performers have left them faltering at times. Director Eleanor Felton has done a good job of whipping the whole thing into shape, but a few decisions about priorities would have given it a sharper focus.
The setting and subject matter are rich territory and there are moments of success in bringing this to life. It’s a fast moving plot which is certainly entertaining and contains a few genuine laugh out loud moments which reprieve the play’s overly ambitious elements.
Running time: One hour and 10 minutes (no interval)
Summerhall (Cairn Lecture Hall), 1 Summerhall, EH9 1PL (Venue 26)
Thursday 1 – Monday 26 August 2024
Daily (12, 19): 7.35 pm
Details and tickets: Book here
Kit Bromovsky Website: www.kitbromovskyproductions.com
Instagram: @kitbromovsky
X: @KBromovsky
Ruaraidh Murray, Francesca Hess and Fraser Wood. Pic: KB Productions
ENDS
