The Traverse Theatre heralds the beginning of spring with the World Premiere of Pandas, a new play by one of Scotland’s most important, prolific and versatile playwrights, Rona Munro. Read more …
Set in Edinburgh and China, Pandas is a romantic-comedy-thriller about the heat of love and the magic of changing perspectives. Three couples find themselves embroiled in a world of crime, lust and heartache as imported Chinese rugs get stolen, hearts are broken and business partners are mysteriously shot.
The production is one of three major projects launching in April by Rona Munro. Along with the World Premiere of Pandas at the Traverse, Rona’s film Oranges and Sunshine, directed by Jim Loach, goes on general release (1 April) and the Royal Shakespeare Company presents the World Premiere of her play Little Eagles at Hampstead Theatre (16 April – 7 May).
The Chinese themes of this Traverse Theatre Company production join two Edinburgh institutions making links with the Far East in 2011. Earlier in the year Edinburgh Zoo announced that two Giant Pandas will be making their new home in the Scottish Capital, while Edinburgh International Festival’s theme for 2011 is a focus on Asian cultures.
A satisfying look at love that never gets overbearingly sweet.
The piece looks as if it wants to be, variously, a contemporary sitcom, full of awkward discoveries; a tightly structured sex comedy, in the Woody Allen mould; and even (internet, black market and all), a social satire of sorts. Frustratingly...Pandas never quite realises any of its ambitions.
Look closer, however, at Rebecca Gatward’s big, wide-open production on Liz Cooke’s cherry tree lined set, and its wild lurches into unbridled passion are something else again.
A world-class romantic comedy, full of wit, sophistication, wisdom, optimism and desire.
The characters don’t inspire a lot of sympathy ... the performances are a mixed bag.
Munro’s script is hilarious, and brilliantly performed by the six-strong cast who have the audience in stitches with their naturalistic and spot-on comic timing.
The result is sugary Edinburgh Rock rather than chunky, bitter Scottish marmalade and faintly toe-curling for those with a limited sweet tooth.
The various conflicts introduced in the first half are resolved rather easily, leaving the play relying too heavily for its appeal on the candid humour in the script and the spotless performances.
Pandas sometimes remains earthbound, overly concerned with the domestic relationships and not enough about the metaphor its Chinese theme suggests. But there are times, too, when it simply soars, not least in Meg Fraser's sublime performance.
A hugely enjoyable night out.
A beautifully produced, touching and humourous love story.
Like the panda waiting for its perfect mate to pass, this production is definitely one worth climbing out of the trees for.
Rona Munro's play Pandas set for Traverse Spring Summer season
Interview: Rona Munro, playwright
Bear Hugs
'We have to engage with people emotionally'
Crystal clear
Preview: Pandas, Traverse Theatre
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh from Friday April 15, 2011, until Saturday May 7, 2011. More info: www.traverse.co.uk
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