“A Whodunnit with a Shark, Built Around Talented Creatives”
Bluedot Theatre Company immerses us into the Save the Angelshark organisation, or Saving Squatina as it is called, where three people from different backgrounds each come to volunteer over the summer. As the piece progresses, we face murder, betrayal and secrets coming to the surface.
This is a thrilling, fast paced piece written by Annie White, who skillfully builds this world. The characters are well presented from the moment we meet them and the story progresses nicely to the conclusion. The mystery of the piece, based around who is killing the sharks and dumping them on the beach, is really cleverly built and the final reveal does not disappoint. It is well paced and does not dip throughout, providing ample humour along with the intrigue. The play experiments with form as well, with characters often, seemingly at random, breaking the fourth wall and interacting with the audience. It is a clever device that becomes very relevant at the climax and is handled skillfully by White.
These elements work very well in tandem and are handled superbly by a talented cast. White acts as well as writing, playing the reserved and moody Mira. She is joined by Harry, the local lad with a secret or two, played by Joe Souter and the whimsical Lottie, who has a taste for the finer things, played by Rosie Jayne O’Donovan. Each brings a brilliant energy to the piece, and compliment each other well. Souter provides a nuanced sarcasm, White gives us a comical cynicism and O’Donovan brings bundles of energy, which often steals the scene. They build strong relationships and believable characters in a very short time, instantly stealing our attention. This is indebted in part to the direction of Becca Donley, who works hard to get the most out of this trio.
This play has got some further room to develop. There are more depths to find for each of these characters, and they could be pushed further into desperation before the finale to add to the effectiveness of the reveals and the conclusion. There are also just a few too many asides to the audience, which takes us out of the piece as opposed to adding to it.
Nevertheless, this is a very good piece of theatre by a promising Scottish company. If grassroots companies like this keep on producing works of this calibre, then Scottish Theatre has a bright future.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Space 3 at theSpace on the Mile
Dates: 8th – 28th August (Even Dates Only)
Time: 13.45
Ticket prices: £12.00/ concessions £8.00
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+ (Guideline)