YOUR GUIDE TO EDINBURGH'S FESTIVALS
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ED2014 5/5 Reviews ED2014 Theatre Reviews
Bottleneck (HighTide Festival Theatre)
By Gemma Scott | Published on Friday 22 August 2014
Fucking hell. This one-man show may be about a child, but there’s certainly nothing childish about James Cooney’s raw, visceral performance. Playing a Liverpool football fan who is involved in the Hillsborough disaster, he’s a phenomenal combination of pure energy and childlike bravado, striding and diving over every inch of the large stage. There’s humour here too, as Greg describes his pitiful attempts with girls and his overwhelming desire to grow a “mussie”. Luke Barnes’ script is emotionally devastating, looking at themes of masculinity, friendship and the role models available for a teenager trying to make sense of the world. An intense, engaging production, provoking tears and cheers from an audience who had been subconsciously holding their breaths as the inevitable tragedy unfolded.
Underbelly, Bristo Square, until 24 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Gemma Scott]
