Review: Adults by Kieran Hurley

Dani Heron in Adults by Kieran Hurley. Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic

Adults by Kieran Hurley ★★★★★

Review: Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh (TravFest23), Edinburgh Festival Fringe 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 out of 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. ★★★★★

Adults by Kieran Hurley starring Conleth Hill and Anders Hayward. Photo: Mihaela Bodlovic

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+.

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

🎟️ 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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