Hi! Productions have carved themselves a definite place within the Scottish theatre neighborhood with a sequence of works which have actual resonance to their viewers. Stories that not solely entertain however tales that matter.
Following on the heels of the extremely acclaimed This is Where We Get Off and Flatmates, The Naked Neds is a piece of actual coronary heart and soul charting the lives of Paul (Lucian Burlingame), Harry (Aidan Curley), Tony (Barry Morrell) and Jamie (Ingram Noble) and their late pal Cammy (Lewis Gillon).
These are younger males or have recognized. That gang of buddies mucking about in the back of class or planning their subsequent lark within the nook of the pub. But these are younger males with deeper tales, with issues hiding behind the bawdy jokes and bravado.
We nonetheless dwell in a society the place males shrink back from discussions on psychological and even bodily well being. How we glance to our friends, the lack to point out weak point aren’t solely psychologically crippling, however life-threateningly harmful.
Writer Ingram Noble has bravely grabbed this subject material by the literal cahoonas. On the floor, the topics tackled: suicide, most cancers and male physique confidence might not appear probably the most engaging to a possible viewers however Noble’s script and characterisations present as many laugh-out-loud moments as poignant and thought scary ones.
These younger males dwell out their messy (however massively acquainted) lives in entrance of us, one after the other revealing to the viewers their innermost torments and discovering a bravery that leads them, not solely to a spot the place they will help themselves, however others too.
There are a brace of high-quality performances from all the firm. Ingram Noble is a deft performer, sure-footed as ‘fat pal’ Jamie and Lucian Burlingame delivers a finely detailed and nuanced efficiency because the advanced and conflicted Paul. The scene close to the top between Paul and late pal Cammy (Lewis Gillon) is especially affecting and highly effective.
Noble has discovered an ideal stability between leisure and schooling. It is a high-quality line to tread and to his credit score, he manages it with aplomb. Never preachy, by no means patronising The Naked Neds is a vital piece of writing with the ability to avoid wasting lives. It could have you crying as many tears of laughter as disappointment. And the place else are you able to see a dwell testicular most cancers examine and a Full Monty dance routine multi functional play?
Catch it because it continues to tour Scotland, together with a run on the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 1 – 9 August at The Space at Surgeons Hall. Tickets right here: The Naked Neds | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Four Stars
Image: Jack Geddes
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