Legendary author Alexander McCall Smith's groundbreaking 44, Scotland Street series has been adapted for the stage for the very first time as part of the 2011 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. C Venues, will host Andy Jordan Productions' large-scale, yet intimate, promenade production of The World According to Bertie, the fourth installment of the popular series that delves into the recognisable lives of a group of Edinburgh New Town inhabitants.
The World According to Bertie, first serialised in The Scotsman, promises an unforgettable evening in the company of young Bertie as he struggles to escape his yoga lessons and pink bedroom, his perfectionist and overbearing mum Irene, raffish painter Angus whose dog Cyril is under threat, and McCall Smith's many other colourful characters. Bertie dreams of fried Mars Bars and having a dog while his mother insists on psychoanalysis. Everyone is seeking peace of mind and, above all, love. Read more …
This lively production, adapted for the stage by Lydia Bruce and Sandy Burns is directed by Warren Hooper, immerses its audience in an entertaining and poignant cavalcade of Edinburgh life.
Its a large cast with a big but frothy treatment that is perfect for the inconsequential, episodic structure of the novels.
This is a charming piece of theatre told with such style that seeing it is a memorable experience. For those of us who don't choose to finish our evenings in Edinburgh with some late night comedy, this is the perfect show to round off your day. And it deserves to have a life far beyond the end of August.
Alexander McCall Smith expresses desire for film version of popular books
Stage first a hit with McCall Smith
C soco, Edinburgh from Thursday August 4, 2011, until Monday August 29, 2011. No performance 15 Aug. More info: www.cthefestival.com
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