Warwickshire-based Youth Theatre group, Square Pegs brings Ben Grant’s new, original writing, 8-Bit Dream to the Edinburgh Fringe this year. With this being Square Pegs’ 12th year at the Fringe, the company are well versed in the logistical restraints of the Fringe, utilising mixed media to create this absurdist play. Considering the tight turn-around given for get-ins and outs during the Fringe, it’s a wonder that Square Pegs have managed to incorporate such a sheer number of technical elements into 8-bit Dream in this short timeframe. Set in a 90s-esque ensemble style daytime television show, the show is broadcast by live camera feed (operated by the cast) onto a projection screen with multiple angles which we cut between throughout. A keyboard is played live to accompany the faux advert breaks and make up the theme tunes, with sound bites being triggered on the keyboard too. The ad-breaks were particularly entertaining, featuring the cast singing the amusing made-up jingles with harmonies, dance routines and camera blocking.
The cast are made up of exclusively 17-year-olds looking to make the first steps into their acting career, and with the strength of their performances, they certainly will find their place in the industry. It was refreshing to see a youth group perform something so contemporary and experimental with no considerable plotline or conclusion. Under Tim Croker’s direction, the cast gave us energy, clarity, and confidence within their work – each bringing their own personal uniqueness and humour to their characters. Unfortunately, I’m unable to find a full cast list so can’t give everyone their due credit, but each cast member shone throughout!
The tech wasn’t completely polished, but considering the ambition of this play and the difficult technical circumstances the Fringe creates, this was understandable. I do wonder if the camera movement was blocked or improvised as I think thorough blocking would have given the production a more confident feel, but again this piece was completely absurdist so really anything goes. 8-bit Dream really was unlike anything I’ve ever seen, which is something very difficult to achieve in the completely oversaturated Fringe market. While I was rather confused by the content of this play, I think it was quite fun to be confused. I was left wanting to hear more about the alien invasion and the dismantling of the TV show. I think this lack of satisfaction was reflective of the lack of satisfaction from the imaginary producers – nothing the cast did was good enough to be aired – would they ever have been good enough to satiate our need for entertainment? The questions we are posed with are surprisingly advanced – where do we draw the line and how far can people push and be pushed for reasons of superficiality?
8-Bit Dream runs until the 10th of August at C ARTS | C venues | C aquila with tickets available at https://res.cthearts.com/
Reviewer: Jessie Martin
Reviewed: 4th August 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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