ICON Theatre bring to this year's Fringe a hard-hitting piece of devised work. Release follows the life of three ex-prisoners who are struggling to make their way back into the real world. The script was created through interviews with ex-offenders, probation officers and hostel owners.The performers tell their characters’ story through well-delivered text, physical theatre and dance. The script does not preach to its audience, instead it gives us a sensitive insight that left me feeling quite emotional. For example, the constant references to windows and the sense of entrapment provide an insight into the physical and mental effect prison has on young offenders, especially after they’re set free. At times the characters feel stereotyped but this is hard to avoid given the subject approached. The direction is strong and the overall production was tight. The weaknesses for me are the physical theatre/dance sections. The movement did not flow very well and a lot of the time, it felt unnecessary, almost shoe-horned in. The strongest elements of this piece are the astonishing performances from the actors, Verity Hewlett, Shane Shambhu (also a fantastic dancer) and Paul Tinto. Hewlett in particular was outstanding. Her performance as former drug-addict Becky was flawless as she shared with us the inner turmoil of being called an unfit mother and being rejected from every job she applies for. Her bulging eyes and nervous voice oozed vulnerability - I wanted to hug her and give her all the encouraging words she needed.Release is a strong piece of writing delivered with passion and vigour. Its timing could not be more relevant with the recent riots and upheaval leaving me feeling that this piece speaks out for some of the unheard.
