I like oral storytelling, particularly of myths. It has an intimate kind of escapism that you don’t get from many other things. But unfortunately, it doesn’t always deliver, and this modernisation of ‘Orpheus And Eurydice’ stayed firmly within conventional bounds. The ‘epic poem’ style was mostly evocative but sometimes fell flat, while Tom Figgins’ delivery was mostly engaging but sometimes lacked impetus. And crucially, ‘Percy Jackson’ already did the whole “20th century mortal falls in love with a Greek God” thing, and did it better. The show’s saving grace was Phil Grainger who, with some quirky love lyrics, haunting chords and a raspy, intimate voice, injected shades of colour into an otherwise black and white performance.

Summerhall, until 26 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Ela Portnoy]