one4review | On 13, Aug 2024

Saltire Sky Theatre’s Bits n Pieces is a play set here in Edinburgh exploring the themes of friendship, family, and recreational drug use. The Art College’s Wee Red Bar provides the intimate setting where we meet Tommy, Dougie, and Matty. Lifelong friends from nursery age who are now aged 25. While Tommy and Dougie are content working their jobs, attending football, and getting stoned – Matty outgrows this and wants something more.

Without giving too much away the trio are blown apart by events following a rave and the audience are witness to the devastating impact following what unfolds the morning after…

The actors work exceptionally well together, they have good chemistry and appear comfortable in their roles. They deliver perfectly timed sections relevant to each character, intertwining the character’s backstories into the main themes of the play. They deliver blistering pieces of prose in between authentic sounding conversational pieces.

Saltire Sky are not afraid to challenge the traditional messaging around abstinence – and provide what may be for some an eye-opening insight into how effective education might impact safe consumption. I am very tempted to check out their other show – MANikin billed as an “honest interrogation of society’s views on obesity and male body image” If it’s anything like Bits n Pieces I will be on the edge of my seat. Definitely a company to watch out for.

For me, this was the hottest ticket in town – gritty and totally believable. While I understand the intensity of this story requires a small venue I’d love to see it on a bigger scale only so that more people can see it! Outstanding

****1/2
Reviewed by Lyndsey
Wee Red Bar – Main Space (Art College)
19.30 (1hr 20)
Until 25th August (not 14 or 21)