Slow, but compelling drama

Night Time

(2007)
Traverse Theatre Company
Traverse 3: The University of Edinburgh Drill Hall. 1-27 August. 18:00 (1hr30)

With its poetic language and truthful performances, Night Time is one of the most professionally done Fringe shows I've seen in some time. The story sees a woman driven out of her marriage into the arms and lives of other men. While they open and offer themselves up to her, she burdens them with her problems and insecurities. Always doubting the honesty of these strangers, to an almost offensive degree, it becomes clear the character is coasting through life on her looks alone. Unfortunately, this does not make for a character for whom it is easy to feel any sympathy.

There is the nagging feeling that there is an interesting story in here somewhere, but the actors face an uphill battle against a tedious script. This is not to say the piece is dull. There are several captivating moments and the use of set and lighting is wonderful. In particular, the way the sofa is used throughout the play is so inventive, giving a real feeling of time ticking along at a slow but unstoppable pace.

Perhaps if scenes had been shorter and the pace a little more varied, Night Time would be a festival highlight. As it stands, the production is often good, but never great. [Tom Powell]

show info

Night Time
Traverse Theatre Company

Director:
Traverse Theatre Company

Theatre:
Traverse Theatre
Preview Aug 1: 18:00(1hr 30mins) £11.00 Aug 2,7,11,16,22: 21:00(1hr 30mins) £16.00(£11.00) Aug 3,8,12: 12:00(1hr 30mins) £16.00(£11.00)