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EdFringe 2017: Last Resort at Summerhall

August 21, 2017 by Anna Livesey Leave a Comment

Review of: Last Resort
Price:
£10

Reviewed by: Anna Livesey
Rating:
2
On August 21, 2017
Last modified:August 21, 2017

Summary:

Conceptually fascinating but drawn out and dull

More Details

Last Resort takes as its setting a holiday resort for US military personnel located within the boundaries of the Guantanamo Bay base. Reimagining a real life backdrop that’s disturbing enough in itself, 2Magpies Theatre blend the realities of state-sanctioned torture with holiday makers’ luxuries, and the result is a piece that’s as dark as it is comic.

It’s certainly a clever concept. Leisure activities morph horrifyingly into fear tactics: a session of pilates leaves muscles aching and damp face towels suddenly become a simulation of waterboarding. The audience participatory aspect works well to immerse us in the sinister world of the resort. We profit from a Cuba Libra at the entrance, a comfy deckchair to recline in, and our own personal beach (/bag of sand) ­– all of which leaves one feeling somewhat complicit in the action.

But witty conceits are dragged out until their initial tension wears thin. Pacing is an issue: a shorter and more intense experience might make for a greater impression. Dialogue is weak and jokes tend to feel stagy or rehearsed. Though both actors (Tom Barnes and Eve Parmiter) strike a nice balance between enthusiasm and its chilling edge, there’s little chemistry between them. Neither has the comic timing to nail blackly humorous gags.

Last Resort is fascinating from a factual perspective. There are shocking statistics and a message that continues to be urgent. 2Magpies have the raw material of an excellent production but, ultimately, the execution of their ideas is disappointing.

Author: Anna Livesey

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: Guantanamo Bay, Last Resort, Summerhall, Terror

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  • Anna Livesey
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  • August 21st, 2017
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