Realism (a co-production between the Edinburgh International Festival and The National Theatre Of Scotland)is written and directed by Anthony Neilson who also wrote the acclaimed ‘The Wonderful World Of  Dissocia’  Realism is Neilson’s new attempt at creating as he like’s to put it  something that may be flawed but is ambitious. Well he has certainly achieved something ambitious, and personally I found it hard to find even a single flaw.

 The first thing you might notice is the large set, and a toilet sitting comfortably amongst other randomly placed items, the set is a interesting start, edgy and quirky and automatically fills you with hope for the coming events and future 1 hour 30minutes.  Within the first few minutes of the performers releasing their beginning lines the audience are instantly lifted and begin their journey of applause and laughter

All the actors shine in their own right but Stuart Stuart McQuarrie holds the stage so much so, that at times he is the stage. Stuart, a young man, lounges around his flat one Saturday.  The audience, travel, or jump as the case may be, through the everyday life events, which stumble in his way, and follow him through his thoughts played out in his mind, his fantasies, his nightmares, his realties.  Stuart finds it rather comforting to surrender to his own imagination and interpretation of events and through this you’ll see anything from; visits from the black and white minstrels, singing, dancing and some sexual acts that he really should keep under raps…  

It’s not so much as what is being said, although the actual writing is very witty and clever, but more how it’s being said, performed and put together as a whole.  It’s also refreshing to watch something that doesn’t wholly stick to the norms of the linear narrative.

One of the beauties of this show is the anticipation; you never know what’s going to happen next, which must be down to clever writing, sharp, tight direction and the talent of the actors that the show comes through. At moments however you have to wonder whether this is actually a very cynical take on life with an undertone of realism, but with such humour to feed off, you are very rarely left feeling glum.

This play, when it hits the spot, which it will at one point for everyone is hilarious. It reminds you of the similarities you have with the characters and their mundane lives, and allows you not only to laugh at the stage but secretly laugh at yourself too.

Mon 14 - Sat 19 August 7.30pm       Matinees Thu 17 & Sat 19 August 2.30pm
Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh