Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: Running With The Firm (James Bannon)

Zoo have a cracking programme this year, and whoever booked ‘Running with the Firm’ deserves a pint. James Bannon’s a bloke you’d pass in the street without a thought, but once he starts talking, wow. If I could’ve grown an extra ear to take it in more, God I’d have done it. It’s about his work as an undercover policeman, specifically an investigation in the late 80s aiming to convict Millwall football hooligans. Bannon takes you through highs, lows, moral minefields and crippling fears creating a show that’s thrilling, hilarious and harrowing. When it finished, I wanted to jump on stage and beg him to keep talking. I’d cull the book plugging (unnecessary) and a few awkward iffy bits; but this has got to get every star I can chuck at it.

Zoo Southside, until 26 Aug, 8.35pm.
tw rating 5/5 | 

- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-running-with-the-firm-james-bannon/#sthash.WW6RAMeZ.dpuf

Edinburgh 2013 Theatre Review: That Is All You Need to Know (Idle Motion)

Crossword solving speed seems odd screening for someone entrusted with saving thousands of lives; ‘Idle Motion’ fuse verbatim testimony and sensitive imaginings to present this and other thoughtful, enlightening insights into the Bletchley Park code-breakers. The show uses recordings of long-silenced memories, poignantly placing the ageing voices alongside their younger counterparts onstage. My sole criticism would be that the characters feel slightly distant; though this is to an extent inevitable, many of the workers honoured their code of silence to the grave, an emotional ending is muted as a result. That said, ‘Idle Motion’ are a ridiculously talented company who have that rare talent of being able to hurl their collective excitement, intelligence and innovation upwards and make brilliance land at their feet. Great stuff.

Zoo Southside, until 24 Aug (not 11, 18), 5.05pm.
tw rating 4/5 |

- See more at: http://www.threeweeks.co.uk/article/ed2013-theatre-review-that-is-all-you-need-to-know-idle-motion/#sthash.DlmMp14n.dpuf