“A comedic journey through friendships and a testing time told with heart”
Ripple Theatre, a female-led grassroots Scottish company, brings Uncorked to the Edinburgh Fringe. This is a good play, that engages the audience from the start and delivers a story that is absolutely worth going to see.
It follows friends Nadia and Kate at one of their monthly wine nights, where the two catch up and put the world to rights with a healthy dose of reality TV. Only this time, things are about to change as Kate is worried she is pregnant. Avoiding the test at first, the two become entirely preoccupied by the potential life change, before eventually going for it. From here, the friendship is put to the test as they figure out how to continue when the results come in.
The story is well written by Holly Paterson, and interrogates different perspectives on pregnancy while never taking a definitive side. The play becomes a compelling conversation about unwanted pregnancy and the effects this can have on those involved. It is also devilishly funny, and starts with an absolute bang. As we see the two main characters progress, we are left to question how friendships and circumstances can alter, as well as the depth of this friendship while it falters. The overarching question, however, is us wondering if chicken wine does taste different when pregnant.
The two actors, Holly Paterson and Meera Lavin, put in a solid performance. They have a wonderful chemistry and make these characters feel lived in. They reminisce and showcase their bond well throughout, leading to a quite solemn end. The piece is directed by Mirren Fia, who does well to ensure these performers understand their roles and utilise their talents well.
The piece flies by, hurtling to its conclusion. There is space in the script to take time to ruminate more on the consequences of the characters’ decisions; and maybe leave us with a little more hope at the end. It is a melancholic ending, and while it does leave the audience with a lot of questions, it would be nice to see some hope for the characters’ relationship moving forward.
This is a high standard of play by an exciting new Scottish Company. It is really funny and engages in a difficult conversation, and if that doesn’t exemplify what Theatre should be for, then nothing does.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/uncorked
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: The Saloon Bar at Just The Tonic at Westside Rodeo
Dates: 6th – 22nd (Even Dates Only)
Time: 17.20
Ticket prices: £8.50
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 18+ (Restriction)