Jack Brownridge-Kelly’s one-man thriller, Cold, Dark, Matters finishes its run at the Edinburgh Fringe this week. Brownridge-Kelly has produced a masterclass in storytelling as he shares the tale of the mysterious events our main character Colin undergoes after he moves to Cornwall. The more this piece progresses, the more peculiar twists and turns we uncover. Brownridge-Kelly plays all the characters he meets in the close-knit, cult-like village, from the nosy and haughty community busybody to the gruff and cryptic neighbour – transitioning from each with clarity and fluidity – each completely distinctive from one another. Narrating the piece as himself, with a conversational and interactive note, he too seems just as shocked by the contents revealed in the mysterious voice-note sent to him by “Colin”. Brownridge-Kelly’s writing is smart and gripping, with both well-portrayed, humorous characters, and a confident story structure. If it was a novel, it would be the type that you just can’t put down. Each plot twist was truly unexpected – providing shock-factor in an artful and astute manner with clever and amicable set-ups morphing into dark truths.
Roisin McCay-Hines’s direction contributes greatly to this piece – creating harmony between the bumbling nature of Colin and the dark underworld he falls into. The direction too allows for seamless transitions during the switches in character, choosing just the right moments to move and shift positioning and stature. Danny Frost’s technical work also plays into this subtle tonality, creating darkness and ambience with a countryside soundscape and a moonwashed stage. The set is minimal, but used effectively, with a simple stool being used in a series of completely different contexts, from its original form to a fence in a field, barricading Colin from an explosion. The direction, writing, and performance are all so smoothly polished that the minimalism of the space goes unnoticed, with our imaginations running at a rapid pace to be immersed in that environment with Colin. We never truly find out what happened to Colin – being left with more questions than answers. So, if there is to be a part two – sign me up, I’m well and truly invested! This was a testament to this team’s ability to engage and capture our imagination – such vividity was produced in my mind from such a blank stage.
Cold, Dark, Matters has finished its run as of the 8th of August at the studio at C ARTS | C venues | C aurora, with more information available at https://res.cthearts.com/ and https://jackbk123.wixsite.com/jack-brownridge-kell/coldm-dark-matters
Reviewer: Jessie Martin
Reviewed: 7th August 2025
North West End UK Rating:
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