ED2016 3/5 Reviews ED2016 Theatre Reviews

Octopus (Fine Mess Theatre / Paper Tiger Productions)

By ThreeWeeks Editorial | Published on Sunday 28 August 2016

In ‘Octopus’, three women are called for an interview, to determine their level of “Britishness” and therefore how much support they’re entitled to from the state. There’s a white, well-meaning woman who “doesn’t see race” and “loves curry”; a young Iranian woman who loves punk and is scared of being deported; and a British-Indian accountant who believes that financial contribution to society should count above race. It’s an interesting premise, looking at how race and identify can be classified, though the musical elements distracted from the narrative and some of the humour felt a little forced. In the current political climate, this is a relevant production, examining what it really means to be British.

Assembly George Square Theatre, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 3/5