The first DO NOT MISS of the Fringe

It’s hard to make theatre that feels fresh. To really grasp at a conversation that should be told and tell it in a way that makes people want to listen. Salamander does all this and more in this fantastic piece of theatre running at Assembly Roxy this August. 

The story sheds light on the police relationship with sex workers in the 80’s after the murder of Sheila Henderson in Leith in the 1980’s. Co-written by Mhairi McCall and Cal Ferguson the pair clearly have done their research and all the characters feel truthful and full of depth. 

McCall’s poetry adds rhythm and a fluidity to the show, helping the pacing and driving forward of the plot. It is also super accessible poetry – we even experience a parody of the gatekeepers of comedy within the show. My personal poem being the Ode to a Choad. 

From the pageant opener to the haunting harmonies of the finale, the weaving of music through the show is thoughtful and helps to transform another fringe black box into a familiar space. A live musician sits in the corner – unobtrusive but imperative to the show. What I find most beautiful about having the live musician is how it allows the show to breath with the audience that is there. 

The cast are stellar, a few moments of overacting where more nuance could be used but overall they embody the roles and passionate women with respect and fire – not stereotype. The way they interact and listen to each other is clear, responding truthfully across the jokes and the sadness. 

My only very teeny tiny criticism would be that I think the title does the show a disservice – after a lot of digging I found that there is a street called Salamander in Leith. 

I could just keep writing compliments about the show but really the question is why haven’t you bought tickets yet.

Salamander runs at Assembly Roxy until 16th August at 18.55pm.