“A Magnificent Performance to Explore a Tragic Story”
Rockpools explores the life of a woman who is unhappily married to a man grieving his parents. This, along with her own troubles, leads her to the avoidance tactic of buying and hoarding a staggering amount of antiques, with dire consequences.
Molly Windust is the star of this show, and turns in a wonderful performance. She shows us a range of emotions and embodies several characters to great effect. She flies around the stage, moving from enthusiasm to crushing depression in a second. It is electric to watch and you simply cannot take your eyes off of her. She is directed by Gracie Davie and Ivan Hamshaw-Thomas, who have worked to get a driven and near perfect performance from the actor. The direction, along with the outstanding performance from Windust brings life to a completely bare stage, culminating in a wonder to see unfold before us.
The script is tight and well written, helped by dramaturgy from Laurie Bayley-Higgins. It explores the effects of a distanced relationship and endometriosis well. What works so brilliantly in this piece is that we should be watching a devastatingly sad piece, yet it is never devastatingly sad. It embraces the comedy of each situation and builds an engaging and supremely funny piece of theatre that is still not afraid to explore the darkness of our protagonist’s situation. There is an effective non-linearity to the story, building in various interactions with the partners parents, providing laughs and a break from the darkness. It pokes fun at the uber-rich without ever being insensitive. As we reach the conclusion, we are treated to a breathtaking final monologue, written and acted to perfection. It leaves you utterly blown away.
It is a near perfect production. The sound design by Peter McMahon adds to the piece, crafting something that will stay with you. While the minimalist production does work nicely, it could be further developed with some props or more use of set to fully realise its potential. Be under no illusion, this production has room to grow, and will no doubt continue its journey. For its run at this year’s Fringe, you are treated to a wonderful piece of theatre that is as poignant as it is devastatingly funny.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/rockpools
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Bunker 3 at Pleasance Courtyard
Dates: 5th – 30th August (Not 17th, 24th)
Time: 15.20
Ticket prices: £13.00/ concessions £12.00
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 16+ (Guideline)