• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

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

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Plain Heroines talks SCRATCHES at VAULT Festival 2023

We spoke to director Gabrielle Bird from Plain Heroines about taking part in VAULT Festival 2023 with their show SCRATCHES   Tell us [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Anthony Clark on SHE

Anthony Clark is the writer of SHE, a new show interweaving the stories of 14 different women in their twenties, [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Thick ‘n’ Fast talks General Secretary at VAULT Festival

We spoke to co-writers and performers Cassie Symes and Georgina Thomas about taking part in VAULT Festival 2023 with their [Read More]

NEWS / Too Much World at Once tour announced

Set against a backdrop of the climate crisis, the debut from Papatango shortlisted writer Billie Collins is a lyrical coming [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Ian Nicholas talks The Elephant Song

Ian Nicholas is a theatre producer, running OnBook Theatre alongside director Jason Moore. He talks here about their next production, [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • Willy Hudson on Welcome Home
  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Yasmin Paige on Actually
  • The Role of Stage Manager in a Devising Company
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Katy Owen: How to Apply to Drama Schools*
  • Andy Kesson and Jimmy Tucker tell us about A Bit Lit
  • Art of Believing at The Space
  • Peter Kavanagh talks about Cyanide at 5
  • Alice Christina-Corrigan talks Past Life
  • Anna Livesey
    Author

  • August 21st, 2017
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • Facebook7TweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!