Theatre group enjoy rave reviews at Fringe

Aug 14 2008 by Graham Fraser, Hamilton Advertiser

A THEATRE group based in Uddingston have just enjoyed a successful stint at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The Practical Magic Theatre Company performed Ken Kesey’s disturbing comedy drama “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” from August 2-9..

Despite the well-publicised ticketing problems being experienced by many groups at this year's Fringe, the Practical Magic cast played to full houses every night of their eight-night run, with additional seating and standing space made available at the venue in Edinburgh College of Art due to demand for the final two performances.

The show’s director, Alan Bayley, was understandably delighted.

He said: "To play to good houses at the Fringe is doing well; to sell out every night and go to over-capacity is exceptional. We are absolutely delighted at the response of our audiences, especially the standing ovations we received.

“The Fringe-going public is truly international and extremely knowledgeable of classic pieces like “Cuckoo's Nest” and to receive acclaim as we did from so many people is just amazing and quite humbling.

“Practical Magic are not able to bring this much-acclaimed production to their home audience in Lanarkshire but for anyone wishing a last chance to see the show, we are putting on a one-off performance in the Old Well Theatre in Moffat this Sat day.

“Tickets can be obtained from The Moffat Wine Shop on 01683 220554.”

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” is the story of one man’s struggle as he leads his fellow inmates against the sinister Big Nurse. The play became famous thanks to an outstanding performance by Jack Nicholson in the film version, which earned him the Best Actor Oscar in 1976.

Practical Magic use a mixture of both professional and amateur actors in their shows. In this production, Edinburgh actor Adam Tomkins took the lead role of McMurphy, while Yvonne Waring from Hamilton was the menacing Nurse Ratched .

The majority of the performers from Practical Magic are from South Lanarkshire.

In recent years, Practical Magic’s Fringe productions have received critical acclaim, including a five-star review in The British Theatre Guide.

The theatre company also have an associated youth group who are performing at this year’sEdinburgh Festival Fringe.

Practical Magic’s performance of “Cuckoo’s Nest” received several five-star reviews from members of the public on the Edinburgh Festival Website www.edfringe.com.

One enthusiastic fan from Bellshill commented: “What a superb show! The cast were all fantastic.

“I particularly enjoyed the dignified, moving and often funny performance of the Chief.

“Nurse Ratched was also excellent in her menacing role. A must-see! “