UK Theatre Network

     

Sex, drugs and... Trolls. Such is the life of “Peer Gynt”, probably Ibsen’s most surreal play which has now been updated in a brilliant Scottish adaptation by Colin Teevan.

The play is about young Peer, who despite his poor background has dreams of becoming rich and famous. After trying to leave the town where he has grown up, fleeing from his ex-girlfriend’s wedding with the bride. He then comes across the kingdom of the Trolls and is forced into marrying the Troll princess, although luckily managing to escape again. When we meet him later he is now much older and is selling arms in Africa, whilst trying to reinvent himself as the leader of a new cult.

This could easily become a very confusing play, but thanks to Teevan’s adaptation he keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. Dominic Hill also makes good use of the large stage, keeping it quite bare and allowing the scenes to be filled by the actors instead and giving the piece the feel of epic theatre.

Keith Fleming and Gerry Mulgrew both give fantastic performances as young and old Peer, showing great subtlety and engagement with the piece. Cliff Burnett is also superb as The Button Man, who helps to guide the audience through the maze of Peer’s life.

A very different, but very entertaining piece of theatre!

Listings:

Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh

17 to 20 June

Wed – Sat eves 7:00pm

Matinee, Sat 2pm

Tickets: £7.50 - £20

Box Office: 0131 248 4848

www.lyceum.org.uk

Then touring until 27 June