Edinburgh Fringe 2024
A Brief Case of Crazy
Skedaddle Theatre Company
Genre: character comedy, Mime, Physical Comedy
Venue: theSpace @ Symposium Hall
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
This compelling show is about the here and now and from the heart, it’s really what fringe theatre is about! This company is certainly one to watch. There is a fresh and quirky vibe throughout every part of the show, it’s wonderful, different and very well crafted, directed and performed. The messages that come through the story about overcoming our fears are so valuable and brought out in a sweet and charming story that is very entertaining, relatable and uplifting for everyone.
Review
Three characters burst on the stage and during the fifty minute show they become several more characters! All of them deliciously quirky and interesting. The emerging collective of physical performers from Skedaddle Theatre Company are Samuel Cunningham, Lennie Longworth – and Rowan Armitt-Brewster, who is director, scriptwriter and producer of their show A Brief Case of Crazy, running at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024.
Their enthusiastic energy at the start of the piece continues through to the end when they play characters going to work, wearing the same hats and coats, reading the same newspapers and swerving together when their vehicle makes a sharp turn. This is only the start and these everyman characters come back to give updates in innovative ways, such as in rhyme and movement. While sitting on the tube they do nifty choreography sequences with criss cross legs and nimble toes, a sort of eccentric dancing which is very well done and fascinating.
From these sequences individual characters emerge that go to the office everyday. The boss in neat suit organises the two employees, Daisy and Thomas, who are both shy and we take time to focus on the individual personalities. Thomas sits at his desk with his bright coloured lunch bag next to his computer – which never seems to work! Daisy looks like she may be up for promotion.
There are several short scenes that move the story along really well. The actors bring on their sets and props and whisk them away seamlessly before we even notice. The story is a rom com, romantic comedy that develops in its own way. Thomas is socially awkward and shy, he lacks confidence and doesn’t always know what to say. Daisy is a little more confident and trying hard at being outgoing, and it’s not easy for her.
The story is told through physical characterisation, movement and dance riffs, mimed actions, a wonderful white bird, a little song, interactions at work with their boss and the everyman chorus who jump in and out of here and there!
Several very interesting music selections play during the innovative dances which match the visual storytelling well. There are many funny situations that come out of the characters as they interact but this play also explores what it is to deal with challenges, to find courage and friendship. It is these meaningful themes that come to the fore when we get to know Thomas, Daisy and the boss. Love takes time to develop and it takes time for Thomas and Daisy to see if they can overcome obstacles.
The brief case becomes a prominent part of the story and helps Thomas and his situation. This compelling show is about the here and now and from the heart, it’s really what fringe theatre is about! This company is certainly one to watch. There is a fresh and quirky vibe throughout every part of the show, it’s wonderful, different and very well crafted, directed and performed. The messages that come through the story about overcoming our fears are so valuable and brought out in a sweet and charming story that is very entertaining, relatable and uplifting for everyone. It’s a lovely way to spend just under an hour, you will leave smiling!
