Friday, December 5

Tag: Elham Khosravipour

Down The Hatch – Pleasance Theatre
Scotland

Down The Hatch – Pleasance Theatre

What began as slightly self-conscious soon developed into a showcase of joy for this young collection of enthusiasts. The premise was simple: a tavern with a collection of characters who told their stories through song and dance. It reminded me of Jim Cartwright’s TWO but the stories were somewhat thinner, each tale being bound by the lyrics of a particular song. My favourite was the traditional Irish ballad, Aililiú Na Gamhna, sung by second-year, Lily Hodge. It was pitch-perfect and filled with tender anguish. The blocking enhanced the sentiment of the piece. Ewan Robertson has a fine, sweet voice living within the body of a construction worker - tall, wide and muscular. He concluded the first half with a stunning lift of Elham Khosravipour who seemed anomalous in her belly-dancing...
Spring Awakening – The Space @Surgeons’ Hall
Scotland

Spring Awakening – The Space @Surgeons’ Hall

Based on an 1891 German play by Frank Wedekind, “Spring Awakening” deals with themes of teenage sexuality, oppression and abuse. Despite its historical influences, the story feels relevant and timeless, and young company Selkie Theatre bring this production to the airy space of the Grand Theatre at Surgeon’s Hall. The musical uses a rock score to tell the story of Wendla Bergmann, played with delightful innocence by Shannon Hood. She longs to find out about the facts of life, but her mother is unwilling to talk of anything other than love and marriage. Wendla soon falls in love with Melchior Gabor, a rebellious boy who is keen to share the information that he’s learned from books. Joe Gill shows Melchior’s frustration and determination, but also lends him an endearing teenage awkwar...