★★★★
“Ay Up Hitler! Ay, Up Edinburgh!”
Taking The Space by storm, Gamma Ray Theatre present a witty satirical comedy based around Hitler. Stay with me.
This tongue-in-cheek comedy tackles risque and radical chapters from history and how they tend to repeat themselves.
With minimal set the cast members create an intoxicating atmosphere for the sold-out late-night show, delighting us with never-ending character reactions, be they scripted or not!
Satire runs through the veins of this show, with costume and sound only adding to the performance. Marcus Churchill as Goebbels opens the show and guides the audience with superb interaction and comedic timing. Michael Goodwin-Grist performs as Himmler, a slimy weasel of a man with excellent facial expressions, and other roles with a personal favourite being his final character in the show.
Peter McCrohon takes on the titular character with impeccable stage presence and characterisation. You’re drawn to him and not just because of his moustache.
Completing the cast are Gamma Ray Theatre producers David McCulloch as Göring, a sharp wit on stage and Hannah-Cait Harrison as Maggie, a bubbly source of energy.
Chris Hawley’s direction doesn’t miss a beat. The comedy is sharp, well choreographed and elevates the script.
The show’s narrative is overshadowed by the comedy onstage which is the show’s only downfall.
Writer McCulloch’s choice to choose Hitler as a subject of such a show is smart and you’ll find out why as the play goes on.
His writing tackles hard-hitting subjects and issues that make you question our current social and political climates. His strategic breaks of the forth-wall and acknowledgement of “play within a play” allows the audience to digest and reflect, then laugh some more.
If you’ve stayed with me this far and can look beyond the baseline of ‘Hitler’, you should consider catching the show.
Running at The Space, Fleming Theatre until the 26th of August.
Review by Jade Flack
