The Project, Nottingham New Theatre – The Monkey House,148,The Pleasance, Edinburgh.
Written especially for this year’s festival The Project explores the interaction between audience and cast probing boundaries and common experiences. The vehicle for achieving this interface is a scenario involving Amelia, a young woman made vulnerable by bereavement and ensnared into a sinister situation which involved a cult-like indoctrination process led by the evangelical Nick.
Spartan staging and intense dialogue make for deliciously uncomfortable viewing. The very essence of the relationship between cast and audience is laid bare to a visceral basic at the expense of the troubled Amelia.
Quirky musical interludes and intriguing choreography create a gripping atmosphere within this intimate Edinburgh venue. This young, talented cast slip seamlessly together with each other and the audience. Harry Bradley is totally convincing as a product who has ‘successfully’ rolled off Nick’s sinister production line. Amelia Gann’s ‘work in progress’ victim evokes much sympathy.
Writers Bridie Rollins and Martha Rose Wilson have mined a fascinating seam of thought in this highly charged production. Look out for the yellow lips.
One of the great things about the fringe is the new acts it discovers and amongst those break throughs this gem is a sure fire five star rating.
