REVIEW: Tremor, Roundabout at Summerhall, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭

Paul T Davies reviews Tremor now playing at Roundabout at Summerhall as part of the Edinburgh Fringe

Paul Rattray and Louise Collins in Tremor. Photo: Chris Lloyd Tremor Roundabout at Summerhall, Edinburgh Fringe

20 August 2018

3 Stars

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When Tom's ex, Sophie, turns up at his house, we quickly become aware that he does not want to be found or in contact with her. Brad Birch's play is a good example of perfectly timed revelations. What we assume is an affair that went wrong, layer after layer is peeled away to reveal something more interesting.

Tom and Sophie are survivors of a bus crash in which 32 people died. Tom was the only survivor that reported to the police that the driver, a Muslim, had been drinking. The driver went to prison and, after release, is now dying and has requested to meet Tom. Sophie has already done this, but Tom is adamant he won't forgive the driver.

The play is very well performed by Louise Collins and Paul Rattray, who build the tension well. Yet the ending, that Tom is part of a Right wing organisation staging war against "them", felt contrived. There is much to commend this Sherman Theatre production, but it offers little that is remarkable against the tide of productions at this venue alone. It's a good, workmanlike production, but struggles to stand out at the Fringe.

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