You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. Why you should go see the play about a writer with writers block.
A week into their first performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I finally got to see Collision Theatre’s 45 minute production of ‘A Working Title’, and it was well worth the wait.
Just for context, I saw one of the first performances of ‘A Working Title’ back in Manchester, when the students of Manchester University first performed this script. So, when I saw how they adapted their writing to accommodate new actors and a shorter time of 45 minutes, I was pleasantly surprised with how seamlessly the play had been rewritten.
‘A Working Title’ follows the thought process and chaotic life of washed up screen writer Liam, as he faces a decline to produce a brand new film script for his sponsoring agency.
Tackling personal conflicts and alcoholism, the play laughs at itself, suggesting that a script about the writing process and the issues of writer’s block should not be an interesting watch. However, this cannot be said for this student production.
The audience involvement and melodrama from the actors was on point, with the dramatic acting of Liam’s thought actors, 1 and 2, delivering impeccable comedic timing, that had the audience in stitches.
Liam’s character was both believable and relatable to all of us in the creative industry, dealing with the sudden blank that appears out of nowhere when an original idea is needed, and an ever approaching deadline reaffirming the pressure we are already feeling.
The ever developing relationship with female lead and sister Alex, explores the affect of family tensions and painful unspoken feelings that can rock the creative process.
One moment you will be laughing and the next holding back tears, as a turmoil of emotions reflects truly the turbulent nature of the human condition and how there is always more happening under the surface.
If you haven’t already, head down this evening to TheSpace on The Mile at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and treat yourself to this 5 star piece of theatre. If you don’t chuckle or resonate with these well-written characters, I’ll eat my hat.
Citadel 