ED2015 2/5 Reviews ED2015 Theatre Reviews

The Wild Man Of Orford (Rust and Stardust)

By Robert Stevens | Published on Monday 24 August 2015

‘The Wild Man of Orford’, based on historically reported events, is an attempt at a folk story with the lovely idea that we’re all free, regardless of the bondage of Christ, or because some of us are mermen…or whatever. It’s a remarkably postmodern message that, against the backdrop of ye olden days, feels quite out of place. In contrast to the preachy liberal character, accidentally born in 1100AD rather than the 1990s, all the other characters come off as absolutely inept. Though the play’s simple message of tolerance is generally bearable, the script often flails around and an approachable plot is skewed by mediocre performances. Even if the cogent narrative pleases, the glibly benign morals and lifeless performances will annoy.

Sweet Grassmarket, until 23 Aug.
tw rating 2/5 | [Robert Stevens]