Review: BELFAST, Nuworks Theatre - Edinburgh Fringe (Online)

Spanning from the Titanic to the beginning of the troubles, Belfast is a musical representation of the story of the town in Northern Ireland, separated by two God-fearing communities and the wrath and retribution they receive as they endeavour through life.

Directed by David Dunn and performed onstage to a backdrop of real life black and white filmed footage of the ship builders and the town life it describes, the production paints a picture of the living conditions throughout this time.  

A simple meal with family sat around the table shows how times and relationships have changed today.  

Dealing with the loss of family, husbands, children, or friends to the troubles makes up a large part of this story.  The Protestants, Catholics and their involvement with the IRA, but the story is told more as a narrative with lots of individual monologues and songs rather than acting out the story and although the lyrics to the music are descriptive, they are not particularly catchy so are easily forgotten, begging the question why they chose to present Belfast in this way and rather than a play.

There are mentions of the Titanic (the town is famous for the Harland and Wolff shipyard, which built the doomed liner), but these references seem a little forced and stereotypical rather than heartfelt and inclusive of the characters’ stories.

Also, hand held mics are used for some performers but not others, which can be limiting for the cast. Without them, there would be opportunity for a much more unrestricted performance, which would have added to the piece.

The production is informative but doesn’t necessarily jump off the page.  As an audience member, it feels like a lot of information is being divulged rather than a story being told.

** Two stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Belfast is available on Fringe Online