Theatre/Comedy

Words: Libby Taylor

3 stars

Shotgunned is a fast-paced, rollercoaster of a rom-com with a very convincing couple at its heart. The play begins at the demise of a relationship before going back in time to explore the highs and lows experienced throughout. What stands out in this production is the authenticity of the connection between Lorna Panton and Fraser Allan Hogg. The jokes, teasing, awkwardness, and affection land so well because of how natural their relationship is. There were, however, moments where it felt as if the fourth-wall was being broken, in a manner of bringing the audience into the world and their jokes, which felt inconsistent with the style of the rest of the piece. This might have been due to the intimacy of the venue, but it took away slightly from the intensity of the relationship that was being developed on stage.

The stage was simplistic and adaptable, which was a practical and vital choice for the short scenes and regular location changes. It might have been fun to give a bit more time to the scene changes, leaning further into the emotional transitions of the characters, which would have also offered the opportunity to play with costumes a bit further to indicate the passing of time. This is a script-centred piece, which generally worked through the strength of writing, but there were moments of repetitiveness and punching down, and it led to the dance-break feeling a bit jarring. Clearly lots of talent involved, just in need of a bit of refining.

Shotgunned
Studio 5 – Assembly George Square Studios
15:10
5-30 Aug (excluding 24 Aug)