Jessie Martin, Author at North West End UK

10Aug

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

Birdwatching – The Space @ Venue 45

Black Bright Theatre has hit it out of the park once again with their latest fringe production. The company is no stranger to the horror genre – a notoriously difficult style to actualise on stage. However, Black Bright Theatre always manages to hit the nail on the head – this time with a meta twist. Conceptually so well considered - what seems to be a classic coming of age story, becomes a fourth-wall-breaking, psychologically-thrilling powerhouse. The three actors (Ellen Trevaskiss, Maddie Farnhill, and Mimi Millmore) were exceptional – uniting a playful naturality, and a harrowed, tormented feel into their performances. Their ability to cut through to an audience in such a striking way, both comedically and dramatically, has for me, been unmatched at...

Lads of the Flies – The Space @ Niddry Street

8Aug

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

Lads of the Flies – The Space @ Niddry Street

STAG (Student Theatre at Glasgow), takes the Fringe by storm with their latest production written and directed by Grace Donaldson. This quick-witted, fast-paced show tells the story of four “lads” lost on their Duke of Edinburgh expedition - two of whom, are coming to terms with their sexuality. Throughout the play we see them accept that they are in love, and they do in fact fit the rugby lad stereotype – they’re as gay as gay can be. Donaldson’s writing is incredibly sharp, with well-thought, quick-witted remarks from each character. The actors were steadfast in their roles – so sure of themselves that I really did see them as lads (even the one with pigtails). The group played off of each other wonderfully, really giving the audience a good chuckle. The...

7Aug

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

Into the Woods – Paradise in Augustines

When an amateur theatre group announces they will be performing a Sondheim musical, usually I brace myself for the worst. Bare Productions however, completely defied my expectations with their rendition of the classic, Into the Woods - it’s no wonder they have a sold-out show. The cast were exceptional - manoeuvring around the complex rhythms with ease and creating a real sense of emotion in their performances. The numbers in which the whole cast sang together were incredibly powerful – it was clear a real focus on the musicality was made – the emphasis on the dynamics of the song truly packed a punch – kudos to the musical director. Everybody in this cast showed the potential to go on to work professionally. I do have to give a special mention to the ugly...

5Aug

By Jessie MartinNo Comments

Scotland

The Court – Hill Street Theatre

If you fancy yourself a sleuth, a Judge Judy, or even a Jeremy Kyle, this show is for you. The Court, produced by Edinburgh Little Theatre, invites audience members to participate in a mock trial, testing their powers of discernment and morality. Cathy, the defendant is accused of illegally euthanising her terminally ill mother. It is up to the audience to decide whether it was murder, or manslaughter. With pie and drink retrieved (both of which are included in the ticket price), we were guided into the courtroom. The braver members of the sell-out audience got the chance to volunteer as the jury, getting a seat next to the witness stand right amidst the action. “All Rise!” shouts the judicial assistant, and so it begins. The interactive ...