one4review | On 19, Aug 2024

Atticist Theatre Company bring this dystopian drama to Edinburgh. Written by Daisy Hall, this engaging story is the tale of Aspinall and Clement (beautifully played by Paul Adeyefa and Luke Rollason), who are two young men who have the responsibility of ringing the church bell when a violent thunderstorm hits their town. It seems nothing can help the world bar a reliance on religion and mysticism and so the population rely on the less than scientific belief that the ringing of church bells will abate the storm. However, in a time of biblical storms, fish falling from the sky and fatal lightning strikes, it’s a game of Russian roulette on whether lightening will hit the church bell and end Aspinall and Clement’s lives. Aspinall clings to his religious beliefs to give him some hope, Clement is less sure, believing the mushrooms growing and multiplying in the belltower relate to those ringers that have gone before them. As the storm grows closer Aspinall and Clement declare their love for each other and agree they were meant to be, face their fate together.

The joy of this play is that, whilst its subject matter does not prevent humorous exchanges between Aspinall and Clement, the audience are always aware of the danger approaching – due in no small part to the excellent sound design. The Roundabout Theatre is a suitably intimate venue for the audience to feel that they are in the bell tower with Aspinall and Clement, which adds an extra layer of meaning to the drama. Daisy Hall’s script is excellent, and Paul and Luke play their parts brilliantly. When I left the theatre, I was surrounded by delighted audience members debating the meaning of the play. They, like me, had a thoroughly great and thought-provoking time with the Bellringers.

****1/2
Reviewed by Rona
Roundabout @ Summerhall
13.15 (1hr 5)
Until 26th August (not 20th)