Edinburgh Tales (2024), Greenside@ George Street, Review

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Performers Kerry Jowsey (left) and Chris Gruca (right) lean into each other, as Gruca shows Jowsey somthing in his book.
Rating (out of 5)
3
Show info
Company
Theatre on the Edge
Production
Barrie Wheatley (Writer, Director)
Performers
Chris Gruca (Geoffrey); Kerry Jowsey (Alison); Ryan Fox (Rob Miller); Lee Roberts (Ryan Knight); Evie Lane (Miss Eglantine); Molly Robinson (Mandy)
Running time
55mins

Loosely based around Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, this production set in a pub, introduces four stories in the style of Chaucer. As an audience we are met by our host from the pub, Geoffrey, a cheery and affable Chris Gruca, who together with his partner Alison, have a little banter with us as we settle in. This is gentle and, while interactive, is done in a very simple and light-hearted way. The conceit of not wanting to have a quiz and instead storytelling is somewhat of a stretch, but it works as the audience is joining in the banter.

The performers have a range of experience and skill, and some of the voices could be stronger in volume, especially when the soundtrack is playing under talking. They all throw themselves into the storytelling however, and the updating of the tales themselves works, with the most successful of these the first story based around The Knight’s Tale.

This is a feelgood production and, while it may not quite have the depth and layers of the original, it makes for a fun few minutes of light, bright and cheerful fun.

Show Time: 16-17 Aug @ 14:55
Greenside @ George Street
Ticket Prices: £12 (£10)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/edinburgh-tales    
Accessible entry: Through Wheelchair access entrance, then on same level through to Lift down to lower ground floor. Wheelchair access type: Permanent Ramp, Level Access, Lift (Building Lift). Stairs: Information not supplied. Wheelchair Accessible Toilets. Audio Enhancement System. Age: 14+ (Guideline); Audience participation, Scenes of a sexual nature, Strong language/swearing. Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 2 years.