Blood and Roses @ St George's West

Of all the cities in Scotland, it can’t be denied that Edinburgh’s streets hold some of the richest history in the country. It therefore comes as little surprise that Blood and Roses chooses to take the audience through the city, weaving fairytale with a story of love, culture and distance.

Armed with a guide to lead the way, an umbrella and an MP3 player, Poorboy’s production walks the audience through the West End of Edinburgh visiting hidden rooms, spectacular cathedrals and theatrical gardens as we hear the story of long distance love between Russia and Scotland.

Whilst at the Fringe, there’s something nice about being able to amble your way through the city - rather than sit on an uncomfortable seat not designed for the theatre - but there’s very little in way of a tenable link between the streets of the city and the story. This piece could be done anywhere in Scotland with no difference required to the text, meaning that little more than halfway through the 100 minute performance, the audience tires of the need to walk around. The story is lost a little in transit, as poignant and affecting as the actors are, but the performance could be enhanced by visiting fewer locations.

This is ultimately a story about love; both familial and marital. It doesn’t fail to stand out from the crowd and is a captivating tale, but bring your walking shoes.