Colours Run is an intense hour in a squalid flat in Leith in the company of two brothers that makes you uncomfortable, makes you laugh, and ultimately drags you deep into their disturbed relationship.
Mikey Burnett, a local writer, has crafted this potent two-hander with skill, precision, and an ear for the local vernacular. It’s always a delight to hear Edinburgh Scots on stage, especially from the mouths of two skilled actors. This new writing from 4PLAY has already played at the Traverse Theatre to good reviews, and they proudly publicise their aim of putting working-class stories on stage. It’s not an easy ride, but it’s utterly enthralling—without patronising or making it easy on the audience.
Ruaraidh Murray as the older brother and Hibs Casual is a perfect study in suppressed anger, ready to blow at any moment, simmering with resentment. They are not a likeable character, revelling in casual violence and expressing ingrained prejudices, but we warm to them nonetheless—mainly because of their obvious love for their younger, challenged brother. Sean Langtree gives the other outstanding performance, portraying a character with learning difficulties, immature and overenthusiastic—not an easy role, but they pull it off with such skilful authenticity. Sean embodies Pete, with their obsessions, counting the cornflakes and delighting in game shows, but we can see why their brother gets so annoyed by them.
Colours Run’s script is extremely well structured: giving us a lighter, fun moment—watching them enact a quiz show—so we are lulled into laughter and then ‘bam’, we are sucked ever deeper into this traumatised sibling relationship, and as their history is revealed, the discomfort grows.
It’s directed by Grace Ava Baker with subtlety and pace, as gentle moments suddenly build into explosive anger, unsettling us and creating the picture of the brothers’ unhealthy bond. The only things that need looking at concern props: would they drink Jack Daniel’s? Surely it should be a cheap blended Scottish whisky from the local offie? The liquid looked like cloudy apple juice, so perhaps a better substitute is needed. The debris on the floor in the room looked a little too ‘placed’; litter tends to bunch up in piles. But these are minor points and don’t detract from the story.
Don’t be put off by the subject matter – Colours Run is not about local football. This production is a master class in acting and script writing, it’s rooted in its Scottish surroundings and embodies fringe theatre at its best. It’s so compelling and intense that you feel relieved you can escape their room—but it’s completely worth the experience.
