After a 9-year gap, Playwright and Fiordland resident Brian Johnston returns to his native Scotland to review shows at this year's (2023) Pitlochry Festival Theatre and Edinburgh's Fringe Festival.

Having performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival way back in 1988, in the now ‘rare as hen’s teeth’ venue - Pleasance 2, I was keen to see how the Fringe has grown into the mega size it has become today.

I was excited to see what Scotland had to offer. I was not disappointed. 

For a start there are now over 3000 plays, comedy acts, circus acts, musicals and dance performances to choose from.

And for the keen theatre goer, it’s extremely difficult to choose the ‘wheat from the chaff.’

Like me, a lot of theatre goers wait until the reviews come out before making their selection.

In 1988 I paid around 50 pence to a pound to see a show which meant I could see perhaps three or four performances a day.

However with average prices now at around 15-25 pounds for a one hour show, you want to make sure your money’s well spent.

Here is a brief series of reviews from what I saw.

Pitlochry Festival Theatre

Gypsy – Pitlochry Festival Theatre – 8 August.

A thrilling production equalling any London West End production.

A multi-talented cast delivered excellent performances with first-class acting, accomplished singing, musicianship and dancing skills.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening’s entertainment.

Brief Encounter – Pitlochry Festival Theatre – 9 August.

Noel Coward’s screenplay is brought to life in this wonderful stage production.

The ensemble cast compliment the two lead actors who deliver commanding performances.

They beautifully capture the dilemma faced by the couple – how can they conduct a clandestine love affair whilst both being married with children?

We know the outcome from the onset, and yet, we too are invested in their dilemma.

The production is heightened by the inclusion of songs and atmospheric music.

Afrique en Cirque

Afrique en Cirque – Assembly Hall, Edinburgh – 10 August.

Exciting, exuberant and breathtaking acrobatics, made this a well-deserved hit of the Fringe.

The strength, artistry and at times, comedy moments, by this troupe from Guinea, West Africa, was jaw dropping.

To a packed hall, the multi-talented performers, twisted, turned and somersaulted, played huge kettle drums, juggled and sang.

They invited the audience to encourage their risky feats with energetic rhythmical clapping and chants.

The extraordinary suppleness of the contortionist had the audience gasping and grimacing as he contorted his body into positions one would not have thought humanly possible.

The supremely versatile performers, (4 men and two women), were rewarded for their efforts by a much-deserved standing ovation.

ABBA Tribute band. - Assembly Rooms – 11 August.

I went to the performance expecting this to be yet another mediocre ‘wannabe’ ABBA band.

However, I was pleasantly surprised.

These four Scottish performers were lively and polished, delivering a great night’s entertainment.

They sang and played all the ABBA ‘big hits’ with gusto, combining slick choreography with colourful costumes and heaps of opportunities for the audience to get up off their butts and sing along and dance with the group.

They finished with the appropriate “Thank you for the Music” and treated us to a short medley of the hits as an encore.

I, and many of the audience left, this stunning venue, buzzing from a great night’s entertainment.

Alan Turing – a musical biography. Paradise in Augustine's - 14 August.

This was the last Fringe production I attended and was sorely disappointed.

Many years ago, I saw a play on London’s West End about the life of Alan Turing, starring Derek Jacobi. The film, “The Imitation Game”, starring Benedict Cumberbatch was very moving.

The big mistake, for me, with this production, was the inclusion of musical numbers.

The songs were clunky and instantly forgettable.

The actor playing Turing gave an acceptable performance, given the material he had to work with. The young, female actor, too, did a fine job portraying a host of characters.

The hour-long show couldn’t finish quick enough for me. 

All in all, I had a thoroughly enjoyable week re-connecting with the excitement of Edinburgh’s Fringe Festival and experiencing first-class theatre in Pitlochry.

Brian Johnston

Vice President Playwrights Association New Zealand