ED2015 2/5 Reviews ED2015 Theatre Reviews

The Temptation Of St Anthony (The Mechanical Animal Corporation)

By Robert Stevens | Published on Wednesday 19 August 2015

There’s a word that I’m trying to avoid using, see if you can guess it. It’s the word to describe a play which treats the phrase “he’s off to find himself” with only half-irony, where a character becomes a tree to “be one with nature”. I’m scared of using it though, because then you might think this review is that word, too. But ‘The Temptation Of St. Anthony’ definitely is that word – about spiritual possession, the play is far too ambitious for its modest actors and feels melodramatic whenever it tries to shock. It’s a play wrought with ego – its energy makes for some brilliant dance and music scenes, but it takes itself far too seriously to be enjoyable.

Summerhall, until 30 Aug.
tw rating 2/5 | [Robert Stevens]