If you’re in search of a family friendly show this Fringe, or even if you just want to enjoy a heart-warming and playful performance by yourself, look no further – Mary, Chris, Mars has you covered. And if you happen to be a Korean learner, you can take in the delight of experiencing a performance in both Korean and English (with English captioning) – and if you’re not, the same statement still applies. I reckon it only adds to the enjoyment of the play.
Part of the Korean Showcase – presented by the Korean Cultural Centre UK (KCCUK) – Trunk Theatre Project’s Mary, Chris, Mars (played respectively by Cho Yeeun, Ryu Wonjun, and Park Hyeon) takes us on a colourful journey through space, as Mary and Chris are brought together by chance and spend a rather unusual Christmas Day on Mars. Punctuated with bursts of high-energy physical theatre, charming miniature sets and projected images, all whilst being accompanied throughout by a beautifully played live score (performed by Baek Hahyungki and Park Jinho), the immersion into this space setting is complete.
Regular bursts of laughter from the audience added to the score as the cast entertained us jovially, cleverly and effortlessly jumping from gliding through space playfully with miniature spaceships, to calmer moments where the audience was left to admire the enchanting space imagery that rolled before their eyes. It is easy to see how the show may appeal to children and adults alike.
The performances were engaging and funny, the music and lighting playing no small part in binding this show together, and the hand puppet astronauts are a delight – I am just waiting for these to have their own comedy show.
You can catch Mary, Chris, Mars’ surrealist space adventure at Summerhall until 28th August (not 15th & 22nd), and tickets can be booked through the following link: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mary-chris-mars To find out more about the Korean Showcase, follow this link: https://kccuk.org.uk/en/programmes/edinburgh-fringe/
Reviewer: Louise Balaguer
Reviewed: 12th August 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★