An incredible and original piece of storytelling about storytelling: a must-see
I have nothing but praise and admiration for the cast and crew behind ‘The Players of Diadon’. It is rare to see a production that feels entirely unique both in its concept and product, and yet that is exactly what Hideout Theatre and Stoke The Embers offer its audiences! Set in “a far off kingdom,” a company of players are given three days to write a new play about their king, or face execution.
What starts as a wonderfully chaotic comedy ends as a truly thrilling commentary on the truth behind art and history. Each character – from the long-winded yet secretive Polonius and the pompous Mr Porridge to the starry-eyed Huzzah and the scornful Camille – is fully-formed and larger than life. The actors make their interactions onstage a delight to watch: the true joy they have for performance comes through in their every word. Opening with a fantastically – melodramatic Shakespearean monologue and ending with a moment of Renaissance – esque horror, the strength of the actors complements the skill of the writers, creating a show that is honestly brilliant. While the show doesn’t take itself too seriously, it allows its audience and actors to sit with moments of discomfort and realisation, showcasing the ability of dark comedy to be thought-provoking as much as it amuses.
If you are in the mood to be entertained, enraptured, and enlightened, then ‘The Players of Diadon’ is the show for you. I believe this show is a true hidden gem of the Fringe this year, a secret hidden commentary in a world currently overloaded with ‘fake news’ and censorship.
‘The Players of Diadon’ is a production at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival between the 18th and 25th of August. Tickets are available here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-players-of-diadon.
Fantastic show. The performance was first class.