Dr Ledbetter's Experiment (skinnyfest 2)

Article by Yasmin Sulaiman | 14 Aug 2006
In this Fringe debut from award-winning Irish company The Performance Corporation, it is easy to overlook the story of the play in favour of the subtle grandeur of the University of Edinburgh's medical buildings, in which it is performed, and the novelty of hearing every sound and every word crystal clear through headphones. But to reduce the magnificence of Dr Ledbetter's Experiment to its physical surroundings is to do it a grave disservice. A Christian doctor who preaches against Darwinism, Dr Saul Ledbetter is eventually brought down by his own secret vices, adultery and substance abuse, descending into a never-ending spiral of madness. The genesis of his 'experiment', so crucial to the multiple twists and turns of the plot, brings terrifying and unnatural consequences.

Tom Swift's story addresses issues as pertinent to us now as they were at the release of The Origin of the Species in 1859, and the fearsome yet wonderful world of Dr Saul Ledbetter is remarkably familiar. The actors perform their varying roles to perfection, Rory Nolan in particular excelling as the unhinged lead character. While it is difficult to express how entirely captivating the production is without revealing its all too crucial moments, it is clear that this is exactly what the Fringe was meant for: experimental theatre that continuously pushes the boundaries of dramatic art, its gothic splendour endeavouring to intoxicate its audience completely.
Traverse 5: Medical Faculty, Until Aug 27, 20.00 and 22.00, £15(£10). The Performance Corporation.