DarkChat

Summerhall, 15.40

8/10

What would the future hold if it was mapped out?  What if there as a system

for factoring out fate, to the last miniscule detail? Alan Harris’ energetic,

stylish play poses this question in an hour of gripping, tight and original

drama.

Showing in the Demonstration Room at the former Veterinary college (now

Summerhall), The Future for Beginners has underwent radical surgery

itself since it premiered at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre.  The result is

a slick, honed gem of a play that surprises from the first words spoken.

The audio visual effects enhance and underpin rather than mask, and the two performers are excellent.  Matthew Bulgo and Jennifer Adams play the office workers who find each other amongst the admin.  Their relationship is unforced, natural, and each of them work to bring the audience into their story.  A device is used, which won’t be revealed here, but it works to startling effect and demonstrates what extraordinary talent that LiveArtsShow possess.

The play is also punctuated with humour.  The dialogue is typical Harris – conveying a depth of idea but unafraid to whisk you into a comedic simile or remembered story.  It doesn’t take itself too seriously – whilst it wants us to question, it’s damned sure it wants us to have fun doing it.

If you’re in Edinburgh, beginner or not, then this should be the future for you.

The Future For Beginners plays daily until 24th August (not Tuesdays)

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/future-for-beginners