Adults
by Kieran Hurley
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh (TravFest23)
August 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This author’s previous play, Mouthpiece, was the last show that I saw in March 2020 before the Covid pandemic closed the theatres. It was a powerful piece of theatre that I loved. So it’s with great anticipation that I approach the world premier of Kieran Hurley’s new work, Adults.
Set in a Edinburgh New Town brothel, Zara (Dani Heron) greets a new client at the door, while her colleague (Anders Hayward) is running late. The client (Conleth Hill) only turns out to be her old teacher! What ensues is a hilarious black comedy where both the tensions and the stakes, are high.
The cast are magnificent. Dani Heron is superb as Zara, the young prostitute who finds herself dealing with all manner of problems. Anders Hayward is impressive and utterly believable as her workmate with a lot on his plate. Conleth Hill is magnificent from start to finish. His physical comedy and sheer ability to raise a laugh from nowhere are phenomenal. And his Scottish accent is flawless! It was truly an honour to watch him perform.
The clever set, costumes and props add much interest and fun to the proceedings. Great use of the bedroom space along with terrific direction from Roxana Silbert, along with the razor-sharp and witty script lead to a sparking 80 minutes of sheer entertainment. Shout out to the sound designer Calum Paterson: With so many elements to consider, and sound coming from a variety of unusual places - it was faultless.
Adults is a smart, lively play, that doesn't seem at all implausible. Full of humour and intrigue, with impeccable performances at its heart, it's a sublime new production from Kieran Hurley and Traverse Theatre company.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
When and Where?
Venue: Traverse Theatre - Traverse 1
Dates: Tues 1 - Sun 27 August 2023
Time: Varies
Duration: 1h 20 mins approx.
⚠️ Age guide: 16+.
📸 Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Adults by Kieran Hurley - Cast and Creatives
Cast
Conleth Hill IAIN
Dani Heron ZARA
Anders Hayward JAY
Creative Team
Kieran Hurley Writer
Roxana Silbert Director
Anna Orton Set & Costume Designer
Colin Grenfell Lighting Designer
Calum Paterson Sound Designer
Emily Jane Boyle Movement Director
EmmaClaire Brightlyn Fight Director
Production Team
Kevin McCallum Head of Production
Renny Robertson Head of Lighting & Sound
Dave Bailey Lighting & Sound Technician
Fi Elliott Lighting & Sound Technician
Jamie Hayes Production Manager
Alma Lindenhovius Stage Manager
Judy Stewart Deputy Stage Manager
Adults by Kieran Hurley review, Conleth Hill, Dani Heron, Anders Hayward. Traverse Theatre, Travfest23, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023.
🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.
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