The Container

As the audience is led to the back of the Spiegel Tent, the sound of running engines gradually becomes clearer. Guided into the dark and noisy hold of a cargo lorry, the few audience members sit themselves down on the upturned plastic crates that line each wall, and begin to accustom their eyes to the dark.

What follows is a harrowing account of the illegal journey of five refugees trying to reach England. The stories of the individuals are gradually revealed as the action unfolds at the feet of the audience. The claustrophobic setting forces those watching to share - to a limited extent - the experience of these characters locked in a steel box.

The action is illuminated by the performers themselves, who provide the seemingly sporadic but effective stage lighting. Pointing hand-held torches at each other and around the space, the cast even - on occasion - flash the light directly into the faces of wide-eyed members of the audience. The space, lights and atmosphere only help to highlight the impressive ambition and talent of the people involved in putting this show together, further aided by the powerful script from writer Clare Bayley.

Most memorable, however, is the high standard of acting displayed by the cast. Not distracted by the close vicinity of the audience or awkward spatial arrangements, the five actors, including a young girl, are so exceptionally convincing in their roles that their sad and varied stories become almost unbearably uncomfortable to watch.

The Container is a show that will restore anyone’s faith in the Fringe as a place where quality theatre can be viewed, thoughts can be provoked, and memories can be forged.