An Emotional and Important Story
This debut show from Milk and Mallet is a welcome addition to the Fringe this year. We enter into the small room of Mariella Mason, a singer songwriter with big dreams, hoping to catch the eyes of an independent producer who works in the studio near to her small living space.
Abbey Gillett plays Mariella Mason, a creative in a tough spot. She has the talent but cannot find her breakthrough. It is a wonderful portrayal that speaks truth to the struggles of many performers trying to “make it”. Gillett brings life to the character, finding moments of joy and heartbreak that never feel forced.
She is joined by Andrew Pearson-Wright, playing Mariella’s dad, Billy, a successful businessman who has been pushed out of his industry by big business. The parallels between their struggles lead to tender moments of togetherness, and emotional fallouts, that hook the audience.
The chemistry between the two performers is electric, and builds throughout the play, leading to a happy yet bittersweet conclusion, with a feeling that this father and daughter are closer than they have been in a long time.
The music throughout the play feels raw, and Gillett’s voice only enhances it. It brings further power and emotion to the piece. It is a welcome addition to the show.
It is refreshing to see a play that is written about people struggling with failure in different stages of life. It is very well written, and Gillett brings those strands together to find commonality nicely. The piece is dynamically directed very well by Elsa Strachan, using the small intimate setting to its advantage and never feels staric. The design, headed by Lucinda Plumber is also done competently, utilising a minimal staging beautifully to enhance the intimacy of the space and piece.
There are however times where the flow of the piece is off, and characters’ dialogue seems to come from nowhere to keep the piece moving. If these moments are developed, and the beats of the play arrive more naturally, then this piece will soar.
It is a wonderfully important story, and one that can connect a wide variety of audiences. This is a hard world we live in, and we need to speak about failure, to ensure that it is a collective experience, and not a lonely one.
Keep an eye on Milk and Mallet, they have a bright future.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/i-dreamt-you-differently
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: C ARTS/C Venues/C Aquila
Dates: 5th – 30th August
Time: 16.15
Ticket prices: £11 / concessions £9
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 14+ (guideline)