Paul T Davies reviews Breach Theatre’s After The Act at the Traverse Theatre presented as part of the Edinburgh Fringe.
After the Act
Venue Traverse Theatre Edinburgh Festival Fringe
8 August 2023
4 Stars
Book Tickets
Section 28. One of the most hated pieces of legislation ever. Forbidding the ‘promotion’ of homosexuality in schools and other institutions, it took away the human rights of LGBTQ people and created an atmosphere of anxiety and fear. It’s always interesting to see history I’ve been part of being performed, and by using verbatim experience the piece chimes with authenticity.
A Breach Theatre production by Ellice Stevens and Billy Barrett, the original score by Frew Thrums with 80s electonica. There’s a lot of information to pack into the show, and, at times it feels a little overwhelming.
There’s a long sequence involving Sue Lawley and the lesbian ‘invasion’ of the Six O’clock News that takes place behind gauze, but once that is pulled down a stronger connection is made with the audience. The choreography is basic, and the almost bare stage could be utilized more, but this is the Fringe after all!
The four performers, Tika Mu’Tamir, Ellice Stevens, E M Williams and Zachary Willis,are unanimously excellent and take us through the emotional range with power, as the musical grows as it progresses. Interesting to note that, even after all these decades, I’m still not ready to applaud Thatcher, no matter how brilliant the satire!
REVIEW: Alan Turing A Musical Biography, Paradise In Augustine, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭
