Review: A Manchester Anthem, EdFringe

Review: A Manchester Anthem, EdFringe

Summary

Rating

100

Unmissable!

A smart boy claiming his place in the world, a class conflict, and a whirlwind Saturday night converge in a totally gripping solo show.

It’s Saturday afternoon and Tommy is working his last shift at the local café. Having been admitted into Oxford – first in his family, or better, first in his street – he’s leaving home the following day. Coming from a working-class upbringing, he’s rather surprised when one of the wealthiest guys in his school  (also accepted into Oxford) walks in and invites him to a house party that same evening. Tommy would’ve rather spent the last Saturday night out in Manchester with his real mates but, then again, it’s important to build connections in view of the upcoming move. What follows is the gripping account of a night to remember, in which his roots collide with the projection of his future.

Nick Dawkins’ rousing coming of age crusade finds the perfect match in Tom Claxton’s watertight execution. Holding the stage for 60 minutes with hardly any breaks, Claxton ploughs through the script with clinical precision, unphased by his character presenting countless upheavals. At times he’s smart and yet makes silly decisions, strong-minded before crumbling down, fearless and fragile at the same time. Guided by director Charlie Norburn, the actor works the four corners of the stage relentlessly, keeping the audience under his spell.

A Manchester Anthem has everything you might expect from theatre. As a mirror of society, it highlights the impostor syndrome that Tommy suffers when given a chance to climb the social ladder – consumed by a continuous effort to rebuild the sense of belonging he’s leaving behind. As a personal drama, it provides a prismatic vision of its character. In a short time, we see Tommy as an employee, a son, a brother and a friend. We become familiar with his strengths and weaknesses, discover his passions and insecurities.

Finally, as if the compelling storyline, exquisite writing and engrossing acting weren’t enough, it also has an inventive set and lighting design, courtesy of Anna Niamh Gorman and Caelan Oram.

Already a recipient of the Pick of Vault Festival Award and Vault Festival Show of the Week Award, I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it snatches a few more prizes here in Edinburgh.

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Written by: Nick Dawkins
Directed by: Charlie Norburn
Produced by: Lyle Productions and Ramblemill in association with Vault and Pleasance

A Manchester Anthem plays at EdFringe 2023 until 27 August, 7:50pm at Pleasance Courtyard. Further information and bookings here.