Review: Conspiracy, Barrel Organ, Edinburgh Fringe Festival By Hannah Goslin

 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

I am sure that all of us consider at least one Conspiracy theory to be true. Or at least question it. But is it a conspiracy, fake news, or are we easily convinced?

Barrel Organ bring us an hour of questions, of theories, of arguments, mistrust and a jumble of opinions. Three freelance researchers are recording their findings on the famous picture of a line of men, sat eating their lunch on a skyscraper above New York. What this begins in a series of fast paced, believable explanations and theories behind how they got there and the realism of the ‘facts’ they have in possession of.

Conspiracy is a really minimal production. It is completely about the narrative, with imagery and props only to help along the story. It is really fast paced – imagine explaining something exciting to someone with no idea of the content – you become fast, full of energy and eager to surprise the listener. Now throw this into a play at a constant.

It is so well written and with the combination of the amazing performers, you almost cannot believe that it is scripted. It feels like a real conversation; there is so much information that you cannot believe it is just rehearsed lines and the interaction between the characters is so naturalistic and real that we almost feel intrusive into the broadcast.

Events eventually come to a climax, and the exasperation, the anger and frustration feels real but we cannot help but laugh. The comedy is completely on point – it is subtle, it is often brought with the right pause, the right intention, sometimes is even a subtle facial expression or gesture and you soon find yourself in complete hysterics.

Conspiracy is everything you want in a production – realistic, engaging and hysterical. Somehow you come away almost believing the content on stage, questioning conspiracy theories but also thoroughly entertained.

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