Box Tale Soup are welcome regulars to the Fringe and I much enjoyed this new show. Orwell’s dystopia is so embedded in our culture that almost every phrase has a resonance beyond the mere words. So those familiar with the book but who have not read it recently may especially value this production. With characteristically lucid presentation, the company tells the story straight, framed by direct challenges to the audience. I found the staging rather busy, even distracting and, more fundamentally, was unclear about the role of the (very fine) puppets in a production dominated by human interaction. But the final scenes were especially powerful and, overall, the show, despite its bleak themes, was invested with warmth and humanity.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Alan Cranston]