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Festival Review: Swallow ****

Michael Cox reviews a production that's 'terrifically involving from start to finish'.

Swallow begins with the stage lights going up on three individuals standing on a white platform. They inhabit different spaces and seem to be in different moments of crisis. Rebecca (Anita Vettesse) has just learned her husband is leaving her for another woman. Facing his transgender identity, Sam (Sharon Duncan-Brewster) no longer identifies as Samantha. Anna (Emily Wachter), who has been locked up in her flat for years, has discovered that smashing things brings some form of relief from her refusal to eat.

These characters will not only begin to intersect but will have profound effects on each other as their lives begin to entangle in Stef Smith’s brilliantly lyrical and profoundly moving new script. These three characters all speak in bold voices and are consistently compelling to watch. They are interesting, and their lives begin to unfold in ways that are easy to empathise with.

And all three actors give brilliant performances, each not only giving wonderful individual performances but also form an excellent ensemble. These are characters one wants to spend time with, and though the play ends at a fair and logical destination it would be a pleasure to spend even more time with them.

Without question this is artistic director Orla O’Loughlin’s finest production since taking the helm of the Traverse. With an interesting design and a haunting soundscape, the production looks gorgeous and says much even if it is using little. Terrifically involving from start to finish, this is a highlight in this year’s Fringe festival.

Swallow performs at the Traverse Theatre until August 30, 2015. Check website for specific times.

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