one4review | On 17, Aug 2023

Patrick Sandford’s play is a moving account of the trauma he experienced as a child, when he was abused by his primary school teacher. It’s a tale of a young man burying the truth to the detriment of his health and well-being, and how he learned to carry on and accept himself.  

By using a child’s chair to represent himself when he was a schoolboy, Patrick is able to unveil what happened to him in heart breaking, but never graphic, detail – just enough to bring tears to my eyes.  Toby, the saxophonist, adds a haunting musical background to the tale and lightens the atmosphere when the narrative becomes very dark. Partick occasionally breaks off from his story to talk about the Japanese soldier Hiroo Onoda, who didn’t leave his post as a guard when World War 2 ended, and the accident-prone inventor of the saxophone, Adolphe Sax. Their inclusion appears rather off kilter to begin with, but makes perfect sense by the end of the play. 

This story feels especially pertinent given the recent allegations of abuse at Edinburgh High School.  Patrick makes a plea for a possible solution before any other child is harmed – and this beautiful and moving piece of work is testament to the importance of that outcome. 

*****

Reviewed by Rona 

Pleasance Dome – Ace Dome 

13.30 (1hr)

Until 28^th August (not 23^rd)