Joseph Morpurgo @ Pleasance Courtyard
Highlander 70 is a wildly inventive, wholly original show from cult Fringe favourite Joseph Morpurgo
It’s David Moon’s last day of high school and jeepers mister, you’re not gonna believe the kind of hijinks he’ll get up to. First he’s got to survive his last assembly, prepare for the big game, and make a graduation speech as his year’s valedictorian. AND get the girl. So far, so American teen movie.
But what’s really special is that Highlander 70’s told through found photos, all from a high school yearbook Morpurgo came across (if he is to be believed). We hear odd non-sequiturs before they flash up before our eyes (the teacher who keeps his clothes in a window is a particular delight), witness peculiar teen quirks and get to know all the cliques of the school year (hands up if you want to join the Devo-lite computer gang). There’s also some winning audience interaction thanks to a handful of very game volunteers and a fitting musical theatre moment for a bunch of teenage ne'er-do-wells.
Morpurgo makes it easy to root for main character Moon, the goody-two-shoes finally breaking the rules as he and his classmates count down to freedom. Even when the audience knows the exact arc of the show, Morpurgo’s humour is so offbeat and frenetic, there’s absolutely no chance you could call the show predictable.
Much like his previous Fringe hits (the Desert Island Discs-inspired Soothing Sounds for Baby and post-show Q&A satire Hammerhead), Highlander 70 is intricately crafted with not a single wasted moment or line. The sheer craft in the show is a staggering feat without the jokes, but it’s also one of the funniest hours at the festival too.
Joseph Morpurgo: Highlander 70, Pleasance Courtyard (Forth), 20-30 Aug, 7pm, £17.50-£21.50