Salamander

Staged by the bold and unapologetic @prettyknickersproductions, #Salamander is a shimmering collage🧩 of #spokenword, #livemusic, and compelling #noir narrative. Navigating the gritty streets of 1980s Leith, the play plunges us into a realm of tension, depicting the lives of six sex workers in the aftermath of an unsettling, unsolved murder…🕵🏽‍♀️

📄The strong script strikes a balance between the #naturalism of dialogue and the evocative power of spoken word and live music🎶 The harmonies of life— melancholic, jubilant, fearful— echo through the narrative, much like Brecht & Weill’s “Threepenny Opera”, where music and marginalised voices intermingle…

At the heart of ‘Salamander’ is its fierce ensemble💓 The actresses bring life to Leith's underworld, each shimmering with their unique charisma.This all-female powerhouse, led by a Scottish company with a clear feminist pulse, summons shades of Caryl Churchill's 'Top Girls', with each character radiating depth and diversity…

Set against a minimalistic backdrop, the lighting and tech choices deserve a standing ovation. The stained glass window silhouette - a nod to the intersection of the Church and the streets - is slick theatrical innovation. The quick, snappy sequences mimicking headlights racing past are simply brilliant, offering a cinematic touch reminiscent of Scorsese's urban nocturnes🎬…

But herein lies the quibble - while every scene is a masterclass in tension and comedy, there's a craving for a central conflict as sharp as the ensemble's performances. A crescendo or pivotal climax that pushes the characters to new limits…

✨ Yet, despite these narrative cravings, "Salamander" is captivating. It's a glowing testament to @prettyknickersproductions’ dedication to creating playful yet poignant theatre with women at its core. Here's to more deep dives into such riveting worlds! 🌟🌟🌟🌟

#edfringe #edfringe23 #fillyerboots #salamander23