Reviewer :: Shona Craven

Current/future shows

Josie Long: Be Honourable!
UK tour
From August 5 2010 to August 29 2010 at The Caves, Edinburgh.
From September 10 2010 to September 10 2010 at Mull Theatre @ Druimfin, Tobermory.
From September 12 2010 to September 12 2010 at The Ironworks, Inverness.
From September 14 2010 to September 14 2010 at The Stand Comedy Club, Edinburgh.
From September 15 2010 to September 15 2010 at The Stand, Glasgow.
From September 16 2010 to September 16 2010 at Eastgate Theatre, Peebles.
From September 21 2010 to September 21 2010 at University of St Andrews, St Andrews.
From September 23 2010 to September 23 2010 at Lemon Tree, Aberdeen.
"Long is confidently striding into a new phase of her development as a stand-up"

The Chooky Brae
by Borderline Theatre
From September 1 2010 to September 2 2010 at Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld.
Until September 3 2010 at Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock.
From September 7 2010 to September 11 2010 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
From September 14 2010 to September 14 2010 at Ryan Leisure Centre, Stranraer.
From September 15 2010 to September 15 2010 at Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh.
From September 17 2010 to September 18 2010 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From September 21 2010 to September 21 2010 at macrobert, Stirling.
From September 22 2010 to September 22 2010 at Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock.
From September 23 2010 to September 23 2010 at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.
From September 24 2010 to September 25 2010 at Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine.
From September 28 2010 to September 28 2010 at Byre Theatre, St Andrews.
From September 29 2010 to September 29 2010 at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline.
From September 30 2010 to September 30 2010 at Rutherglen Town Hall, Glasgow.

Beautiful Burnout
by National Theatre of Scotland and Frantic Assembly
From August 4 2010 to August 29 2010 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
Until September 11 2010 at Tramway, Glasgow.
From October 13 2010 to October 16 2010 at Rothes Halls, Glenrothes.
"The overall experience is pleasant and pretty – everything real-life boxing is not"

Poem in October
Lemonjelly Productions in association with Tron Theatre
From March 23 2009 to March 28 2009 at Oran Mor, Glasgow.
From March 31 2009 to April 4 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From October 22 2010 to October 30 2010 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"Perfectly nuanced storytelling ... deserves repeated listens"

Midsummer [a play with songs]
by Traverse Theatre Company
From October 28 2008 to November 15 2008 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From August 6 2009 to August 29 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From October 26 2010 to November 6 2010 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"If only more productions had this much energy, spontaneity and heart"

Past shows

Troilus and Cressida
An Edinburgh International Festival production
Until August 26 2006 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
"An utterly gorgeous production... plenty to thrill and delight"

Jesus: The Guantanamo Years
Abie
Until August 27 2006 at Underbelly, Edinburgh.
"A gently satirical little show... Jesus is preaching to the converted"

Onysos the Wild
Compagnie Rhapsodie
Until August 27 2006 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Wonderfully evocative and slyly humorous"

Petrol Jesus Nightmare #5 (In the Time of the Messiah)
by Traverse Theatre Company
Until August 27 2006 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"A distinctly anti-American play, offering few solutions"

Russell Brand - Shame
Until August 27 2006 at Edinburgh International Conference Centre, Edinburgh.
"Brand has made a pact with the devil of celebrity"

Strawberries in January
by Traverse Theatre Company and Paines Plough
From January 1 2006 to August 27 2006 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Even the most hard-hearted cynic is bound to leave the theatre grinning"

The Factory
by Arches Theatre Company and Al Seed
From January 1 2006 to August 27 2006 at Underbelly's Baby Belly, Edinburgh.
"Visually stunning... brutal, blackly comic and really quite frightening"

Tone Clusters
by Arches Theatre Company
Until August 27 2006 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"An unsettling production combining great performances with deceptively simple digital visuals"

We Don't Know Shi'ite
WMD Theatre
Until August 27 2006 at Underbelly, Edinburgh.
"The title is by far the cleverest thing about this show"

(I Am) Nobody's Lunch
The Civilians
Until August 28 2006 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"Elevated above verbatim-for-laughs by its glorious songs"

Andrew Lawrence - How to Butcher Your Loved Ones
Hannah Chambers Management
Until August 28 2006 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
"A storming set full of dirty, disgusting and downright tasteless tales"

Cild
The Hoy Productions
Until August 28 2006 at C Central, Edinburgh.
"This first-time writer has bitten off considerably more than he can chew"

Finders' Fee
Assembly Theatre
Until August 28 2006 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"Full marks for style, acting and a cleverly satisfying plot"

Levelland
Rich Hall
Until August 28 2006 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"This must surely be one of the most assured, satisfying debuts on the Fringe"

My Name is Rachel Corrie
Royal Court Theatre
Until August 28 2006 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
"A story that needs to be heard, engagingly told in its subject's own words"

Normal
Schadenfreude Productions
Until August 28 2006 at C, Edinburgh.
"A genuinely chilling production of an endlessly thought- provoking play"

Special Nothing
Joao Garcia Miguel
Until August 28 2006 at Aurora Nova, Edinburgh.
"Provides frustratingly little insight into a unique mind"

Teen Scream - Scary Musical!
Chris Moreno and Triumph Entertainments
Until August 28 2006 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"Smart, funny and slickly performed... I absolutely loved it"

The Receipt
Will Adamsdale and Chris Branch
From January 1 2006 to August 28 2006 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"Talented performers, but the premise lacks freshness"

Wasted
theproductioncompany with Wild Thyme Productions
Until August 28 2006 at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh.
"Morgan Thomas as Ian Brady is terrifyingly convincing"

Knots
CoisCéim Dance Theatre
Until August 28 2006 at Aurora Nova, Edinburgh.
From September 2 2006 to September 2 2006 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"Highly original... an exhilarating way to spend 80 minutes"

Platform
Companyia Teatre Romea
Until September 2 2006 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Hardcore pornography, full-frontal nudity ... a pessimistic peep show"

Township Stories
Lion's Den in association with UK Arts International, Traverse Theatre and Theatre Royal Stratford East
Until September 2 2006 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"A thoroughly nasty piece of work"

A Midsummer Night's Dream
by Dundee Rep Ensemble
Until September 16 2006 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
"A dark, dirty, adult production ...and very funny, too"

The Truman Capote Talk Show
by Bob Kingdom
Until September 16 2006 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"Surely the next best thing to an audience with the man himself"

Chicago
National Tour
Until October 21 2006 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
"What Jennifer Ellison lacks in lung power she makes up for with sizzling stage presence"

Not About Heroes
Byre Theatre
Until October 28 2006 at Byre Theatre, St Andrews.
"Believable and unsentimental... inspiring theatre"

The Tempest
Tron Theatre
Until October 28 2006 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"More riotous than reflective... thoroughly entertaining"

Sweet Bird of Youth
Dundee Rep Theatre
Until November 11 2006 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
"An unconventional but memorable play... Irene MacDougall is on fantastic form"

Mary Stuart
by National Theatre of Scotland, Royal Lyceum Theatre Company and Citizens' Theatre Company
From January 1 2006 to October 21 2006 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
From October 27 2006 to November 18 2006 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Not a dry history lesson, but a neatly plotted political thriller"

Tom Fool
by Citizens' Theatre Company
Until November 18 2006 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Excellent performances ... never less than enthralling"

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
by Perth Theatre
Until November 25 2006 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
"Hyde is more like a panto villain than a chilling manifestation of man's darkest desires"

Tilt
by Traverse Theatre Company
Until November 25 2006 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"If you see just one of the Tilt plays, make it Distracted."

James and the Giant Peach
by Citizens' Theatre Company
From January 1 2006 to December 30 2006 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Some charming moments, but lacks wow factor"

Hansel and Gretel
Dundee Rep Theatre
Until January 6 2007 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
"Full of gross-out comedy, silly songs and audience participation"

Into the Hoods
ZooNation
From January 1 2007 to January 27 2007 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
"A wonderfully exuberant show that will delight all ages"

All My Sons
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company
From January 1 2006 to February 10 2007 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Great cast... a promising start to 2007"

The Little Foxes
by Perth Theatre
Until February 17 2007 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
"Scenes that should be gripping feel limp"

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
UK Tour
From January 1 2006 to February 24 2007 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
"The gasps and spontaneous applause are well earned"

The Bevellers
by Citizens' Theatre Company
Until March 3 2007 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Suffers from weak structure and under- developed characters"

Mrs Warren's Profession
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company and Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company
From January 1 2006 to March 10 2007 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Exceptionally well-cast and gloriously funny"

Hughie
The Arches, Glasgow
Until March 17 2007 at The Arches, Glasgow.
"A vivid character study ...but almost entirely static"

Humble Boy
by Perth Theatre
From January 1 2006 to March 17 2007 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
"A beautifully nuanced tragic-comedy - very funny and very, very clever"

strangers, babies
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh
Until March 17 2007 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Demands considerable investment from the audience but offers little in return"

Tutti Frutti
A co-production between the National Theatre of Scotland and His Majesty’s Theatre, Aberdeen
From April 12 2007 to April 21 2007 at King's Theatre, Glasgow.
From April 24 2007 to April 28 2007 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
"A few sloppy touches, but an entertaining night out nonetheless"

Carthage Must Be Destroyed
by Traverse Theatre Company
Until May 19 2007 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Slick and entertaining... but loses some of its impact along the way"

Guys and Dolls
Donmar on tour
Until June 23 2007 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
"Even with a few flat notes and rushed lines, it still makes for a hugely enjoyable night"

Detainee A
Ankur Productions presents Quantum Leap Adult Drama Workshop
Until June 28 2007 at The Arches, Glasgow.
"Red herrings abound in what makes for an unflinching take on an extremely sensitive subject"

On Danse
Compagnie Montalvo-Hervieu
Until August 13 2007 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
"A psychedelic celebration of body and soul ... great fun"

Damascus
by Traverse Theatre Company
Until August 26 2007 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Highly entertaining ... if the second half disappoints it's mainly because the first is so strong"

Game Theory
Ek Performance
Until August 26 2007 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The entire piece is so static that it may as well be a radio play"

Pit
by Arches Theatre Company
Until August 26 2007 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"One to savour... a gothic tale of family values and culinary complications."

Stoopud Fucken Animals
Loose Collective/Escalator East to Edinburgh
Until August 26 2007 at Traverse 3: The Drill Hall, Edinburgh.
"It feels like the young writer has set himself too great a challenge"

Subway
Vanishing Point
From January 1 2006 to August 26 2007 at Traverse 3: The Drill Hall, Edinburgh.
"Frustratingly close to being the hands-down must-see of the Fringe"

The Court of King Charles II
Bridget Christie
Until August 26 2007 at Underbelly's Baby Belly, Edinburgh.
"Endearingly shambolic... the dub reggae finale is inspired"

Truckstop
Eastern Angles and Company of Angels/Escalator East to Edinburgh
Until August 26 2007 at The Zoo, Edinburgh.
"So ambiguous that it's difficult to form emotional connections with any of the characters"

Xenu is Loose!! Cower Puny Humans as the Dark Prince of the Galactic Federation rains Atomic Death once more upon your Pitiful Planet - The Musical!
Collapsible Theatre Company
Until August 26 2007 at C Chambers Street, Edinburgh.
"Toothless... the voices of the two leads are entirely unsuited to musical theatre"

A Conversation with Edith Head
Invisible Theatre and Paul Lucas Productions
Until August 27 2007 at Assembly @ Hill Street Theatre, Edinburgh.
"A leisurely paced hour... an enjoyably old-fashioned affair"

Auto Auto
Pleasance in association with Assembly Theatre
Until August 27 2007 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
"Unsatisfying... something is definitely being lost in translation"

Bombers' Row
78th Street Theatre Lab
Until August 27 2007 at Assembly @ Hill Street Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The story feels like an afterthought, with celebrity terrorists the main attraction"

Emergence-See!
Daniel Beaty
Until August 27 2007 at St George's West, Edinburgh.
"Plenty to chew on... Daniel Beaty is a better writer than performer"

Harden the Fuck Up World
Laughing Stock Productions presents Heath Franklin as Chopper
Until August 27 2007 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"Heath Franklin has charismatic aggression down to a fine art"

Scarborough
Northern Firebrand
Until August 27 2007 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"Doesn't just go near the knuckle but lightly grazes it... James Baxter is extraordinarily good"

Shackled
understairs arts
Until August 27 2007 at Euroscot, Edinburgh.
"Things soon descend into one-note hysteria"

Stonewall
Pleasance and Angelica
Until August 27 2007 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
"Inspirational... relevant to anyone who has a heart"

The Debutante Diaries
Kate McLennan
Until August 27 2007 at Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh.
"It's not clear who the target audience is... gently scathing humour"

The Psychic Detective (and Those Disappeared)
by benchtours
Until August 27 2007 at Udderbelly's Pasture, Edinburgh.
"This noir-style mystery makes for a frustrating hour of theatre"

Tony! The Blair Musical
White Rose Theatre
Until August 27 2007 at C, Edinburgh.
"A daft and soft-centred musical revue"

as the mother of a brown boy'
Chickenshed
Until August 27 2007 at Zoo Southside, Edinburgh.
"A tremendous piece of dance theatre...the number of 'issues' touched on begins to overwhelm"

Orpheus X
American Repertory Theatre
Until August 29 2007 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Stylish but soulless... the score is haunting"

Fuerzabruta
Fuerzabruta
Until September 1 2007 at The Black Tent @ Ocean Terminal, Edinburgh.
"A truly epic, spectacular production... it genuinely feels like anything could happen"

42nd Street
UK tour
Until June 9 2007 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
From August 21 2007 to September 1 2007 at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.
From September 4 2007 to September 8 2007 at King's Theatre, Glasgow.
"Don't expect to fall in love with the characters, but prepare to be wowed by precision tap dancing"

Yellow Moon
by TAG Theatre
From August 2 2007 to August 26 2007 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From September 14 2007 to September 15 2007 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Masterful direction and a first-class script... an absolute gem of a show"

Never Forget
On Tour
Until September 22 2007 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
"As cheesy, camp and crowd-pleasing as you'd expect"

Hamlet
by Citizens' Theatre Company
Until October 13 2007 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Uninspiring... the ghost's appearances are like some- thing from children's TV"

The Winter's Tale
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company
From January 1 2006 to October 20 2007 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Doesn't quite match in comic exuberance what it delivers in dramatic bite"

Venus as a Boy
by National Theatre of Scotland and Burnt Goods
From October 30 2007 to November 10 2007 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"A shining, shimmering example of NTS funding being put to excellent use"

Tamburlaine Must Die
by Tron Theatre Company
Until November 11 2007 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"Bodily fluids are spilled almost continuously ... the script begins to feel incidental"

Living Quarters
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company
Until November 17 2007 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Experimental - at times exhilaratingly so - but ultimately doesn't quite deliver"

The Wizard of Oz
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company
From January 1 2006 to December 30 2007 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Captures the story's dream- like qualities ...fans of the film won't be disappointed"

Barry
by Rowan Tree Theatre Company
From January 22 2008 to January 26 2008 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Information is packed into the dialogue... what's surprising about the play is how relevant it feels."

Of Mice and Men
by Perth Theatre
Until February 16 2008 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
"Ian Grieve's production is likely to strike a chord with those caring for elderly relatives"

Romeo & Juliet
by Dundee Rep Ensemble
Until March 29 2008 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
"There really isn't a sense of over-whelming love at first sight"

Equus
Theatre Royal Bath Productions
Until February 16 2008 at Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
From February 18 2008 to February 23 2008 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
From March 31 2008 to April 5 2008 at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.
"Simon Callow doesn't convince as a man experiencing a crisis of faith"

Monks
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company
From January 1 2006 to April 7 2008 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Writer Des Dillon has bitten off more than he can chew"

Sixteen/The Severed Head of Comrade Bukhari
The Arches Award for Stage Directors
Until April 12 2008 at The Arches, Glasgow.
From April 16 2008 to April 19 2008 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The premise suggests an hour of taught provocative theatre, but this is anything but"

That Night Follows Day
Tim Etchells and Victoria
Until May 3 2008 at Tramway, Glasgow.
"Confrontational... the performances are remarkable"

Yarn
Grid Iron and Dundee Rep
Until May 3 2008 at Verdant Works, Dundee.
"Though very entertaining, the show tends to feel like an actors' improv game"

Nova Scotia
by Traverse Theatre Company
Until May 24 2008 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The play's structure is all over the place... silence filled a number of excruciating pauses"

The Drawer Boy
by Tron Theatre Company
Until May 24 2008 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"A very entertaining night at the theatre ... a first-rate play and a cracking cast"

Little Otik
by Vanishing Point, National Theatre of Scotland and Citizens' Theatre Company
From May 21 2008 to May 31 2008 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"A story of isolation, loneliness and the breakdown of community"

Blackbird
UK Tour
Until June 14 2008 at Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
"Dawn Steele captures the brittle determination of a complex and unknowable character"

Old People, Children and Animals
Quarantine in co-production with Contact and Tramway
Until June 21 2008 at Tramway, Glasgow.
"Delivers on all of its promises yet doesn't live up to expectations"

Peeping at Bosch
by Mischief La-Bas
From January 1 2008 to July 13 2008 at Tramway, Glasgow.
"No ordinary theatre show... Hell is certainly a cut above the average 'dungeon' tourist-trap"

Mortal Engine
Chunky Move
Until August 19 2008 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
"Leaves you wishing for a little less trickery, and a little more dancing"

Deep Cut
Sherman Cymru
Until August 24 2008 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"An urgent, measured account of one couple's quest for the truth"

Pornography
Traverse Theatre Company and Birmingham Repertory Theatre Company
Until August 24 2008 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Uniformly strong, nuanced performances draw the audience in"

The Factory
Badac Theatre Company
From January 1 2008 to August 24 2008 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
"A sense of overwhelming sadness... think carefully about whether you want to experience it"

365
by National Theatre of Scotland
Until August 25 2008 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
"Much too sprawling and superficial to offer any real insight into the issues it tackles"

Charlie Victor Romeo
Scamp Theatre in association with Mercury Colchester and Theatre Royal Bury St Edmonds
From January 1 2006 to August 25 2008 at Udderbelly's Pasture, Edinburgh.
"Verbatim theatre created without the explicit consent of those speaking"

Deca Dance 2008
Batsheva Dance Company
Until August 30 2008 at Playhouse, Edinburgh.
"Fabulous work... the dancers appear to be having a great time"

Follow Me
by Guy Masterson & TTI
From September 30 2008 to October 4 2008 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"An outstanding piece of writing ...the two performances are simply terrific"

Macbeth
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company and Nottingham Playhouse Theatre Company
From January 1 2006 to October 11 2008 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"Some powerful scenes, but a couple of significant distractions"

Hannah and Harvey
by Reeling and Writhing
Until November 15 2008 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"Commendably, this is no kitchen- sink drama about a troubled child"

The Shadow of a Gunman
by Citizens' Theatre Company
Until November 18 2008 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Despite capable performances, the emotional drama fails to resonate"

The Wizard of Oz
by Citizens' Theatre Company
From November 29 2008 to January 3 2009 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"The whole production has terrific energy and bounce"

Tam O'Shanter
by Horsecross
From January 29 2009 to February 14 2009 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
"Even traditionalists will likely be swept along for a very enjoyable ride"

Sunshine on Leith
by Dundee Rep Ensemble
From January 1 2008 to November 22 2008 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
From December 5 2008 to January 3 2009 at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh.
From February 10 2009 to February 21 2009 at King's Theatre, Glasgow.
"Full of genuinely funny lines... but at times almost unbearably sentimental"

Baby Baby
by Stellar Quines and Perissology
From January 30 2009 to January 30 2009 at Garrison Theatre, Lerwick.
From February 4 2009 to February 7 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
From February 10 2009 to February 10 2009 at Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock.
From February 11 2009 to February 11 2009 at Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock.
From February 12 2009 to February 12 2009 at Regal Community Theatre, Bathgate.
From February 18 2009 to February 18 2009 at macrobert, Stirling.
From February 23 2009 to February 24 2009 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From February 25 2009 to February 25 2009 at Plockton High School, Plockton.
From February 27 2009 to February 27 2009 at Red Shoes Theatre, Elgin.
From February 28 2009 to February 28 2009 at Lyth Arts Centre, Wick.
From March 3 2009 to March 5 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From March 7 2009 to March 7 2009 at Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld.
From March 10 2009 to March 10 2009 at Aberdeen Arts Centre , Aberdeen.
From March 12 2009 to March 12 2009 at Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy.
From March 13 2009 to March 13 2009 at Lochside Theatre, Castle Douglas.
"For a play about such an emotive subject, it somehow amounts to less than the sum of its parts"

Kyoto
by A Play, a Pie and a Pint and Traverse Theatre Company
From March 9 2009 to March 14 2009 at Oran Mor, Glasgow.
From March 17 2009 to March 21 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The characters are defined only in terms of each other, yet have no real relationship"

The Mystery of Irma Vep
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company and Horsecross
From February 20 2009 to March 14 2009 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
From March 19 2009 to April 4 2009 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
"Completely bonkers ... Andy Gray and Steven McNicoll make a terrific team"

Lucky Box
by A Play, a Pie and a Pint and Traverse Theatre Company
From March 30 2009 to April 4 2009 at Oran Mor, Glasgow.
From April 7 2009 to April 11 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"A twisted morality tale ... Stuart Bowman is superb"

The Idiot Colony
RedCape Theatre
From January 1 2006 to August 24 2008 at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh.
From April 15 2009 to April 18 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"Beautiful and horrifying, and occasionally both simultaneously"

Be Near Me
by National Theatre of Scotland and Donmar
From January 14 2009 to January 17 2009 at Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock.
From March 25 2009 to April 4 2009 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
From April 7 2009 to April 11 2009 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From April 15 2009 to April 18 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From April 21 2009 to April 25 2009 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
"McDiarmid immerses himself in his role with obvious relish"

The Library
by Arches Theatre Company
From April 14 2009 to April 18 2009 at The Arches, Glasgow.
From April 22 2009 to April 25 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Comes off as a showcase of 'directing' that misses the mark"

Trilogy Part 2: Town Bloody Hall
by Arches Theatre Company
From April 14 2009 to April 18 2009 at The Arches, Glasgow.
From April 22 2009 to April 25 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Very little about the debate itself, its context or its cultural impact"

The Rise and Fall of Little Voice
RPM Arts
From March 22 2008 to March 29 2008 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
From April 1 2008 to April 1 2008 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
From April 14 2008 to April 26 2008 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
From May 5 2008 to May 10 2008 at Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy.
From May 12 2008 to May 24 2008 at King's Theatre, Glasgow.
From May 26 2008 to May 31 2008 at macrobert, Stirling.
From April 28 2008 to May 3 2009 at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.
"Smith’s Mari is gloriously brash, vulgar and obnoxious – everything the character should be"

Ghosts
by Citizens' Theatre Company
From May 13 2009 to May 30 2009 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Those expecting a faithful production may feel short-changed"

Hoors
by Traverse Theatre Company and Ustinov
From May 1 2009 to May 23 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From May 26 2009 to June 6 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"Ultimately, it is unclear what the play's message might be"

The Ducky
by Borderline Theatre
From May 1 2009 to May 2 2009 at Palace Theatre, Kilmarnock.
From May 6 2009 to May 6 2009 at Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock.
From May 8 2009 to May 9 2009 at Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld.
From May 11 2009 to May 11 2009 at Motherwell Concert Hall and Theatre, Motherwell.
From May 12 2009 to May 13 2009 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From May 15 2009 to May 15 2009 at Lochside Theatre, Castle Douglas.
From May 16 2009 to May 16 2009 at Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine.
From May 19 2009 to May 19 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
From May 26 2009 to May 26 2009 at Ryan Leisure Centre, Stranraer.
From May 27 2009 to May 27 2009 at FTH (Falkirk Town Hall), Falkirk.
From May 28 2009 to May 28 2009 at macrobert, Stirling.
From May 29 2009 to May 29 2009 at Rutherglen Town Hall, Glasgow.
From May 30 2009 to May 30 2009 at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline.
From June 3 2009 to June 3 2009 at Greenock Arts Guild Theatre, Greenock.
From June 4 2009 to June 6 2009 at Byre Theatre, St Andrews.
From June 10 2009 to June 13 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Every bit as funny as its predecessor"

Peer Gynt
by Dundee Rep Ensemble and National Theatre of Scotland
From September 25 2007 to October 13 2007 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
From May 26 2009 to May 30 2009 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
From June 2 2009 to June 6 2009 at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.
From June 9 2009 to June 13 2009 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From June 17 2009 to June 20 2009 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
From June 23 2009 to June 27 2009 at Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
"Sex, violence, trolls, and plenty of swearing... an engrossing, highly entertaining piece of theatre"

Rocket Science
by One Academy Productions
From August 13 2009 to August 27 2009 at George Square Theatre, Edinburgh.
"When the show hits its stride ... it shows real glimmers of greatness"

First Lady Suite
by One Academy Productions
From August 12 2009 to August 28 2009 at George Square Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Provides a challenge for the cast ... isn’t exactly easy listening for the audience"

Origins
Pentabus Theatre
From August 5 2009 to August 29 2009 at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh.
"A beautiful-looking production ... gently entertaining"

The Last Witch
by Traverse Theatre Company
From August 15 2009 to August 16 2009 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
From August 23 2009 to August 29 2009 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"A tremendous character and a compelling drama"

The Unthinkable
Hobnob Theatre
From August 7 2009 to August 29 2009 at The Spaces @ Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh.
"As in even some of the greatest dystopian tales, the characters are thinly drawn"

In Search of Miss Landmine
Teatro Dei Borgia, ITAC & the Lincoln Company
From August 6 2009 to August 30 2009 at Underbelly, Edinburgh.
"Inexplicably bad ... the cast perform in an infuriatingly mannered style"

Internal
Ontroerend Goed and Richard Jordan Productions Ltd
From August 5 2009 to August 30 2009 at Traverse @ Mercure Point Hotel, Edinburgh.
"It’s possible that this experience could prompt a unique kind of soul-searching"

Michael Jackson at the Gates of Heaven and Hell
Ankle Productions, Theatrical Theatrics and The Brothers Brafman
From August 17 2009 to August 30 2009 at Underbelly, Edinburgh.
"An audacious comedy ... incorporates a sharp critique of modern TV culture"

Orphans
by Traverse Theatre Company, Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Paines Plough
From August 8 2009 to August 30 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The cast is simply outstanding ... this isn't a play of cheap shocks and twists"

Palace of the End
Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester
From August 5 2009 to August 30 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The three monologues together work a little like a game of snakes and ladders"

The Assassination of Paris Hilton
Racked
From August 13 2009 to August 30 2009 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"Little fresh insight ... but an entertaining thirty minutes"

The Nine Lives of Bua Lydia
Tiresias Productions
From August 6 2009 to August 30 2009 at Underbelly, Edinburgh.
"The fundamental difference between verbatim theatre and documentary film is the elephant in the room"

A Stroke of Genius
PIT
From August 5 2009 to August 31 2009 at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh.
"Those seeking no more than a daft diversion will find one here"

Barflies
by Grid Iron
From August 7 2009 to August 31 2009 at Traverse @ The Barony, Edinburgh.
"The sweeping piano theme is more memorable than any line of dialogue"

Bloodbath - The Musical
Sanctuary Films Ltd
From August 6 2009 to August 31 2009 at George Square Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Leaves a lot to be desired ... big ballads, bad jokes and pretty girls in their underwear"

How to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse
After Dark
From August 7 2009 to August 31 2009 at Zoo Southside, Edinburgh.
"Patchy advice, punctuated with awkward pauses"

King of the Gypsies
These Colours Ltd/Escalator East to Edinburgh
From August 5 2009 to August 31 2009 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
"The show suffers from trying to cover too much ground"

Mercy Madonna of Malawi
World Festival
From August 6 2009 to August 31 2009 at St George's West, Edinburgh.
"Chuckles greet every cheeky appropriation of the singer’s lyrics and melodies"

Murder Mystery Musical
Andy Jordan Productions
From August 7 2009 to August 31 2009 at George Square Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Every lyric is delivered with crystal clarity by a very talented (and very game) cast"

Opening Night of the Living Dead
Obstacle Productions
From August 6 2009 to August 31 2009 at C Cubed, Edinburgh.
"Delivers exactly what it promises and does so at a breakneck pace"

RealiTV
WACtheatre
From August 7 2009 to August 31 2009 at The Spaces on the Royal Mile @ The Radisson, Edinburgh.
"Some neat twists ... but this is all too little, too late"

The Girls of Slender Means
by Stellar Quines
From August 6 2009 to August 31 2009 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"Those who haven’t read the novel will struggle to grasp what’s going on"

The Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection or the survival of [r]evolutionary theories in the face of scientific and ecclesiastical objections: being a musical comedy about Charles Darwin (1809 - 1882)
by Tangram Theatre Company
From August 5 2009 to August 31 2009 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh.
"Utterly charming ... packed tightly with cerebral gags and gen(i)us rhymes"

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
Royal & Derngate, Northampton and Assembly
From August 6 2009 to August 31 2009 at Assembly @ Assembly Hall, Edinburgh.
"It's difficult to understand why the play’s climactic scene has been spliced in two"

Words of Honour: The Mafia Exposed
Jermyn Street Theatre
From August 6 2009 to August 31 2009 at Assembly @ Assembly Hall, Edinburgh.
"Few genuinely interesting or surprising insights"

Year of the Horse
by Burnt Goods and Tron Theatre Company
From February 19 2009 to February 28 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
From August 6 2009 to August 31 2009 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"It's difficult to imagine anyone more effectively voicing this artist's eloquent thoughts"

Confined Human Condition
by Cryptic
From September 17 2009 to September 19 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
From September 25 2009 to September 26 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"By the time the end comes the spell has worn off"

Motherland
Live Theatre and Empty Space
From July 31 2008 to August 24 2008 at Underbelly, Edinburgh.
From September 22 2009 to September 26 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"A near-perfect piece of verbatim theatre"

The Pillowman
by XLC Theatre Company
From September 22 2009 to September 26 2009 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"At turns horrifying, hilarious and heartbreaking ... the casting is excellent"

Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray
by New Adventures
From January 1 2008 to August 30 2008 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
From September 29 2009 to October 3 2009 at Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
"Thrillingly up-to-date ... Dorian is part David Beckham, part Patrick Bateman"

Tim Minchin - Ready For This?
UK Tour
From October 22 2008 to October 22 2008 at macrobert, Stirling.
From October 23 2008 to October 23 2008 at Lemon Tree, Aberdeen.
From October 8 2009 to October 8 2009 at Perth Concert Hall , Perth.
From October 9 2009 to October 9 2009 at Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline.
From October 10 2009 to October 10 2009 at Usher Hall, Edinburgh.
From October 11 2009 to October 11 2009 at Pavilion Theatre, Glasgow.
From October 12 2009 to October 12 2009 at Aberdeen Music Hall, Aberdeen.
"Of such a fantastically high standard that it's difficult to pick highlights ... this is truly masterful stuff"

Architecting (Part One)
the TEAM and National Theatre of Scotland Workshop
From July 31 2008 to August 23 2008 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From October 28 2009 to October 31 2009 at The Arches, Glasgow.
"A dense, ambitious work... superbly performed"

Arguments for Terrorism
by A Play, a Pie and a Pint and Ransom Productions
From October 26 2009 to October 31 2009 at Oran Mor, Glasgow.
"A handful of cracking one-liners, but Bush and Blair are soft targets"

An Argument About Sex
by Untitled Projects
From October 1 2009 to October 17 2009 at Tramway, Glasgow.
From October 29 2009 to November 7 2009 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The play starts to trip itself up ... the level of discussion is very basic"

Confessions of a Justified Sinner
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company
From October 16 2009 to November 7 2009 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"So short on excitement that it feels almost like a sermon"

The House of Bernarda Alba
by National Theatre of Scotland
From September 15 2009 to October 3 2009 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
From October 5 2009 to October 10 2009 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
From October 15 2009 to October 17 2009 at Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline.
From November 3 2009 to November 7 2009 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
"A bloodless, plodding affair that’s almost completely lacking in dramatic tension"

Autobahn
by Theatre Jezebel
From November 10 2009 to November 14 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"As always with LaBute, the audience is left with plenty to chew on"

The Steamie
Neil Laidlaw, Michael Harrison and Jason Haigh-Ellery present
From September 11 2009 to September 26 2009 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
From September 28 2009 to October 3 2009 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
From October 14 2009 to October 17 2009 at Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy.
From October 21 2009 to October 24 2009 at macrobert, Stirling.
From October 26 2009 to October 31 2009 at His Majesty's Theatre, Aberdeen.
From November 2 2009 to November 7 2009 at Theatre Royal, Glasgow.
From November 9 2009 to November 14 2009 at Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee.
From November 16 2009 to November 21 2009 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
"Its central sadness about community breakdown has become ever more bittersweet"

The Waltz of the Cold Wind
by A Play, a Pie and a Pint
From March 9 2009 to March 14 2009 at Oran Mor, Glasgow.
From November 19 2009 to November 21 2009 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"At turns wildly funny, philosophical and poignant"

The Corstorphine Road Nativity
A Festival Theatre Edinburgh Production
From December 3 2009 to December 19 2009 at Festival Theatre, Edinburgh.
"The star-studded cast is terrific ... the brilliant Ryan Fletcher steals the show"

Funny
by Reeling and Writhing
From August 6 2009 to August 30 2009 at Assembly @ 7 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh.
From February 6 2010 to February 6 2010 at Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh.
From February 8 2010 to February 9 2010 at CCA, Glasgow.
"An intriguing idea ... but there is no avoiding the weakness of the script"

Proof
by Perth Theatre
From January 28 2010 to February 13 2010 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
"This was only the writer's second play, and in parts of the script it really shows"

Backbeat
by Citizens' Theatre Company
From February 9 2010 to March 6 2010 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Vividly captures a spirit of a time and place ... but is in some ways a bit of a tease"

The Government Inspector
by Communicado and Tron Theatre Company
From February 11 2010 to February 27 2010 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
From March 2 2010 to March 2 2010 at Mull Theatre @ Druimfin, Tobermory.
From March 4 2010 to March 4 2010 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From March 5 2010 to March 5 2010 at Macphail Centre, Ullapool.
From March 7 2010 to March 7 2010 at Craignish Village Hall, Lochgilphead.
From March 9 2010 to March 11 2010 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From March 12 2010 to March 12 2010 at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.
From March 13 2010 to March 13 2010 at Universal Hall, Findhorn.
"Steadily builds comic momentum ... entertaining and memorable"

Promises Promises
by randomaccomplice
From February 3 2010 to February 6 2010 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
From February 8 2010 to February 8 2010 at Byre Theatre, St Andrews.
From February 11 2010 to February 11 2010 at Eastwood Park Theatre, Giffnock.
From February 12 2010 to February 12 2010 at Cumbernauld Theatre, Cumbernauld.
From February 13 2010 to February 13 2010 at Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline.
From February 17 2010 to February 17 2010 at Lemon Tree, Aberdeen.
From February 19 2010 to February 19 2010 at macrobert, Stirling.
From February 20 2010 to February 20 2010 at Howden Park Centre, Livingston.
From February 23 2010 to February 23 2010 at Paisley Arts Centre, Paisley.
From February 25 2010 to February 27 2010 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
From March 18 2010 to March 19 2010 at Harbour Arts Centre, Irvine.
From March 24 2010 to March 24 2010 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From March 25 2010 to March 25 2010 at Woodend Barn, Banchory.
"The subject matter demands serious treatment, but the play's tone is wildly uneven"

Dreamboats & Petticoats
by Bill Kenwright Productions
From March 2 2009 to March 7 2009 at King's Theatre, Glasgow.
From March 9 2009 to March 14 2009 at Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh.
From March 29 2010 to April 3 2010 at King's Theatre, Glasgow.
"Delivers what it promises, plus a little more ... a night of musical nostalgia"

Every One
by Royal Lyceum Theatre Company
From March 19 2010 to April 10 2010 at Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh.
"A tear-jerking but lightweight work ... feels like a rough draft"

The Goat, or Who is Sylvia?
by Traverse Theatre Company
From April 17 2010 to May 8 2010 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Dominic Hill’s direction is flawless and his cast absolutely superb"

Doubt: A Parable
by Theatre Jezebel
From June 1 2010 to June 5 2010 at Tron Theatre, Glasgow.
"Most of the audience is likely to have already considered the issues ... but this is an entertaining piece of theatre"

One Million Tiny Plays About Britain
by Citizens' Theatre Company
From May 18 2010 to June 5 2010 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow.
"Satisfying snapshots ... the audience is trusted to fill in the blanks"

Spamalot
UK Tour
From June 14 2010 to June 19 2010 at King's Theatre, Glasgow.
"Remarkably fresh and topical ...a mischievous yet life-affirming spirit of fun"

Caledonia
by National Theatre of Scotland and Edinburgh International Festival
From August 21 2010 to August 26 2010 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
"A lifeless, linear retelling of a truly fascinating story"

Apples
by Northern Stage and Company of Angels
From August 10 2010 to August 28 2010 at The Traverse @ St Stephen's, Edinburgh.
"Lines of nonchalant brutality are delivered with a wink or a shrug"

Djúpid (The Deep)
by A Play, a Pie and a Pint
From April 13 2009 to April 18 2009 at Oran Mor, Glasgow.
From April 20 2009 to April 20 2009 at Ross Institute, Caithness.
From April 21 2009 to April 21 2009 at Skerray Village Hall, Sutherland.
From April 22 2009 to April 22 2009 at Durness Village Hall, Sutherland.
From April 23 2009 to April 23 2009 at Rosehall Village Hall, Sutherland.
From August 6 2009 to August 31 2009 at Assembly @ Assembly Hall, Edinburgh.
From August 5 2010 to August 29 2010 at Underbelly, Edinburgh.
"Liam Brennan gives a tremendous performance"

My Romantic History
The Bush Theatre and Sheffield Theatres in association with Birmingham Repertory Theatre
From August 5 2010 to August 29 2010 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"Not just a very funny romantic comedy but also a culturally significant snapshot of a moment in time"

Real Babies Don't Cry
Gilded Balloon
From August 6 2010 to August 29 2010 at Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh.
"Permutt fails to take his idea anywhere"

While You Lie
by Traverse Theatre Company
From July 30 2010 to August 29 2010 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh.
"An overblown drama ... attempts to shock fall completely flat"

Lockerbie: Unfinished Business
David Benson directed by Hannah Eidinow
From August 4 2010 to August 30 2010 at Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh.
"Essential Fringe for anyone who shares Swire's aim to find out the truth"

Memory Cells
by Pleasance
From August 4 2010 to August 30 2010 at Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh.
"The play is a compelling little puzzle for the audience to solve"

Sunset Song
by Assembly and Aberdeen Performing Arts
From September 23 2008 to September 27 2008 at Eden Court Theatre, Inverness.
From September 30 2008 to October 4 2008 at King's Theatre, Edinburgh.
From October 7 2008 to October 18 2008 at Perth Theatre, Perth.
From August 5 2010 to August 30 2010 at Assembly @ George Street, Edinburgh.
"A stylish, confident production... races along at a gallop"