Anna Burnside reviews ‘a hugely impressive achievement’.
Fred Goodwin and Adam Smith: two Scots who have been reduced to broad-brush baddies. Goodwin - “Fred the Shred” - was at the helm of RBS when it crashed in 2008. Adam Smith - “the godfather of capitalism” - was his hero and inspiration.
James Graham’s ambitious script attempts to flesh out the caricatures and explain - sort of - Goddwin’s personal role in the economy’s downfall. Under Andrew Panton’s direction, what could have been a dreary biopic becomes a tremendous entertainment as well as an intriguing speculation into how misunderstanding the work of an 18th century moral philosopher can tank the economy.
A big story needs a cast to match. Sandy Grierson, one of Scotland’s brightest stage talents, is outstanding as Goodwin, the chippy outsider who joined Edinburgh’s tweedy banking elite then disregarded every one of its rules.
A 14-strong chorus covers a lot of ground, playing everyone from Gordon Brown and Alistair Darling (who looks more like Jacob Rees Mogg) to Goodwin’s camp personal assistant, his mistress and his snarling bete noir shareholder.
Then there’s Brian Cox as Adam Smith. Goodwin, who worships and selectively quotes him constantly, is alarmed that only he can see this sweary, argumentative fellow who is horrified by Goodwin’s refusal to donate to charity and enchanted by a scented candle from John Lewis.
It’s a masterful performance, made all the stronger by the contrast with Grierson’s quiet hubris.
Only one quibble: there are a couple of musical numbers that, while well executed, don’t add much. Other than that, the atmospheric projections, the clever use of costume on the chorus, a couple of hilarious karaoke scenes are all pitch perfect.
This is a hugely impressive achievement, a Scottish theatre company telling a Scottish story in a fresh and compelling way. It would be a great piece without Cox, but his star power and presence take it to another level and give everyone lucky enough to get a ticket a night they won’t forget.
Make It Happen performs at the Festival Theatre as part of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival until August 9, 2025. Tickets are currently sold out, but check the website for possible returns.
Photos by Marc Brenner.
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