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ADULTS

 
Darryl Jo Review by Darryl Jo 5 Published: 9 Aug 2023 Traverse Theatre Show Dates: 1 Aug 2023-27 Aug 2023

Kieran Hurley's Adults was like being taken for a 1 hour and 20 minute gripping joyride, which consisted of belly laughs and thrills throughout. I loved every minute of it, despite some uncomfortably funny moments.

Kieran Hurley's Adults was like being taken for a 1 hour and 20 minute gripping joyride

Adults reveals the stark reality of the adult worker industry. And no, not the 9-5 type adult industry (Go see Mike Judge's 1999 flick — Office Space if that's your thing). But the ladies (and men) of the night type adult worker industry (think Scorsese's Taxi Driver; only without De Niro, Judie Foster and Scorsese — but set in modern day Edinburgh, with iPhones and fully consenting adults). A comedic (although sometimes grim) behind-the-scenes look into what goes on the behind closed doors of a brothel in the heart of Edinburgh.

Hurley's comedic brilliance is evident, and in full effect here in Adults — the pacing was just right. A fast-paced open, leading to a thrilling edge of your seat second act, which effortlessly paved the way for the tie-it-all-together grand finale. Some of Hurley's finest work indeed.

A great mix of characters. However, Conleth Hill's performance really stole the show. With perfect on-beat comedic timing, and a powerful stage presence to match, his vast experience really shines forth in Adults. And you'd expect nothing less from the 2x Olivier award winner. He had the audience in the palm of his hand tonight, waiting and anticipating his every line, set-up and punchline. Great writing from Hurley, GREAT performance from Hill.

Dani Heron's performance wasn't too bad either. A stellar performance from Heron, she really knocked it out the park, especially with her two minute long tongue-twisting monologue tearing into the dearly beloved Thomas the Tank Engine. She really embodied the hardened, yet troubled archetype, with a tough exterior and sensitive core (and a razor sharp tongue). A dominating, striking, and heavy hitting performance from Dani Heron — with strawberry yazoo and a dildo on top.

An underrated (and understated) performance by Anders Hayward, I'd say, and not a role that many people his age would've taken. He showed great confidence.

This is only my second show at the Fringe 2023, although when I first watched The Shawshank Redemption back in 2013 (Yes, I was a bit late), I told a friend that it was the best movie that I'd ever seen. Now I'm not comparing Kieran Hurley's Adults to The Shawshank Redemption, by any means, but if you get the chance definitely go see it.

Amir Nisi

Darryl Jo

Darryl is a 26 year old emerging writer based in Glasgow. He enjoys writing poetry and plays and has eventual aspirations in becoming a screenwriter. Currently, he is working on an original illustrated children's book.

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The Blurb:

A black comedy full of unexpected tenderness from Kieran Hurley (writer of the 2019 smash-hit Mouthpiece) that explores the gulf between generations, the futility of blame culture, and how we have make things better for those who come after us. In Edinburgh's New Town, thirty-something Zara runs her own business: a brothel. Her newest client is her old teacher, and her colleague fears the inevitable ageing process. They're all convinced that the mess of the world around them isn't their fault. Soon discover that they have more in common than expected. Directed by Roxanna Silbert and starring Conleth Hill.
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