Dancing With Auntie

Three Weeks - www.threeweeks.co.uk

A wonderful play on a familiar theme. Looking back things seem so much clearer, almost funny, don’t they? Christmas 67, coming of age, clash of cultures and the dark family secrets coming out… yes you’ve seen this before but rarely so well done. The acting is some of the best seen at this year’s Fringe so far, the characters are believable and you honestly start to care for them, and most importantly, among all the confusion and tragedy, there is plenty of humour and an almost magically light touch. One of those rare plays that finds a positive message and a glimmer of hope among the rubble of family relationships and will leave you with a smile.

tw rating 4/5
[fh]

Edinburgh Guide.com - www.edinburghguide.com

"If you can remember the Sixties, you weren't there" - it's an old joke, frequently repeated these days, but I can remember, and so can Bill Cronshaw, the writer/drector of Dancing with Auntie. This is a particularly well-observed family drama, based on Bill's memories of growing up in Manchester, and revolving around Christmas at the Metcalfe's - Mum and Dad, son Barry, Barry's Auntie Molly, her daughter Marlene and son-in-law Jed. Oh, and Susan, young Barry's first girlfriend. After Christmas lunch there's a family party - a chance for Susan to meet all Barry's relations, and a chance for them to renew hostilities with each other.

4 Stars / Reviewer - Neil Ingram.