Review: A History of Paper, Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Lisa in the theatre
Aug 3, 2024
3 min read

Updated: May 29

A History of Paper ★★★★★ Very special

by Oliver Emanuel and Gareth Williams

Directed by Andrew Panton

Review: Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh (Travfest24)

Edinburgh Festival Fringe

2 August 2024 (World Premier)

A History of Paper is a new musical from Dundee Rep and Edinburgh's Traverse Theatres. Originally produced as an award-winning radio drama for BBC Radio 4, this stunning new musical tells the story of an everyday and extraordinary love through the little pieces of paper that make up a life.

Written by Oliver Emanuel (Book and Lyrics) and Gareth Williams (Music) A History of Paper is an intimate musical love story featuring just two performers (Christopher Jordan-Marshall and Emma Mullen) along with a pianist (Gavin Whitworth.)

It starts when she puts a note through his letterbox: “Hello Number 4, this is Number 6. Please could you SHUT THE **** UP? Ta.” Not a promising beginning, but... they meet, they fall in love, they get married. And then...

Emma Mullen and Christopher Jordan-Marshall in A History of Paper. Photo credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

I'm not sure I'd ever given paper much thought; but as we learn from 'A History of Paper' it's everywhere and it's more important than you may realise. The memories of our lives are immortalised on these fragile sheets from birth certificates, to postcards, passports, Valentine's day cards, concert tickets and even the fluttering confetti at our weddings.

What begins as a touching, relatable and humorous love story set in Glasgow grows into a hard-hitting, heart-shattering gem of a musical. The two lead actors are exceptional, and in their hands the script and the characters come to life in the most beautiful, captivating way. Their comic timing is razor-sharp and their chemistry is palpable.

The piece is directed with obvious fondness for the material and, despite attending the world premier, the whole production is already a slick, well polished, finely tuned delight. With ingenious use of props, truly sensational lighting and lots and lots of paper, the small space bursts with movement and intrigue.

The orginal songs are good, and the piano itself and the Musical Director are fully integrated into the performance. It's such an enchanting, refreshing new musical I fear nothing I say will do it justice. I'd urge you to go see it for yourself but the entire run is already SOLD OUT in Edinburgh. (See other tour dates here)

A History of Paper is a beautifully written, delightfully staged, funny, uplifting and utterly devastating new piece of theatre. It's very special indeed. ★★★★★

Christopher Jordan-Marshall, Gavin Whitworth and Emma Mullen in A History of Paper. Photo credit: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan

A History of Paper plays at Edinburgh Traverse Theatre until Sunday 25th August and then tours to Dundee Rep and Glasgow Tron Theatre. Jump to Tour listings | Cast info

A History of Paper is a co production between Traverse Theatre and Dundee Rep Theatre and is part of the Made in Scotland showcase.

Find all my Edinburgh Fringe coverage HERE

A History of Paper Cast and Creatives

Cast

Emma Mullen

Christopher Jordan-Marshall

Creative Team

Written by Oliver Emanuel & Gareth Williams

Directed by Andrew Panton

Dramaturg Lu Kemp

Musical Director Gavin Whitworth

Set Designer Leila Kalbassi

Costume Designer Cate Mackie

Lighting Designer Emma Jones

Andrew Panton, Artistic Director of Dundee Rep and Director of A History of Paper, said: “I’m honoured to be directing this celebration of Olly Emanuel’s work. He and Gareth have created a beautiful piece of new music theatre that tells the story of two people, two countries and how a moment of chance can change our lives forever. I’m thrilled that we’re bringing this world premiere to TravFest24, building on Dundee Rep and the Traverse’s ongoing festival collaboration, and that it will also be recognised as part of the Made in Scotland programme for this year.”