I got my Fringe viewing off to a start yesterday with a visit to see the Theatre Alba production of A Man For All Seasons in the Gardens of Duddingston Church Manse (an open air performance).  You need to review the weather forecast before attending (for maximum comfort), yesterday was ideal.  You also need to be prepared: T-shirts at the start and warm jacket by the time it ends, and plenty of insect repellent. Like any good boy scout, I was of course prepared for this.
I have seen past productions, and the group has a very good pedigree for direction and acting (one of my criteria for choosing shows!), so you would not be disappointed.

The outdoor setting works very well for the first half where they are talking about the river and gesturing towards Duddingston Loch which can be seen through the trees, and admiring the plans in the garden.

The second half gets darker (in both senses) where the lighting is able to add effectively to the atmosphere.  It was a shame about the blackout being ruined by the street light, but the actor positioning covered the problem well.

It is transferring at the end of the month to the Brunton Theatre, I am not sure what set they would have, but I feel that the outdoor setting gives a great sense of occasion, which is what you want from the Fringe and the Scottish summer.
It is a play which I know well, as we studied it to death at school!, but it is always nice to have you views shaken by alternative interpretations. 

 

In this case I really liked the performance of The King. Typically I have seen this played as an overweight large man, as in the classic portrait, but the play is set towards the start of his reign, where he was an accomplished dancer, as well as "playing in the mud", so I was very impressed with the younger interpretation, which still had the required commanding presence. 

 

Very good characterisation all round.   I was less convinced of the need to do it in modern dress, but the costumes were very appropriate to the characters throughout, with the exception of a somewhat dodgy one for Cardinal Wolsey!

So I have no hesitation in recommending this production to anyone who likes to see proper drama on the Fringe.

p.s. I have no connection with the show or company.

 

Gordon (jgh)