Late night shows at Edinburgh Fringe always have a slightly tougher job ahead of them, but audiences who brave the 11pm start time of May Contain Traces of Nuts. will be richly rewarded for their efforts.
Playing at theSpace Triplex, Celestine Stilwell’s semi-autobiographical play is a wonderful example of the hidden gems that can be found at Fringe.
We meet a group of friends passing an evening in a messy student-like basement flat. But we discover this is no ordinary evening, it’s the first anniversary of their friend Noah’s passing. We learn about the circumstances of the death, the abuse Noah suffered at the hand of his father, and the friends who were (and weren’t) there for him when he came out.
But there’s an awful lot going on in this short 45 minute play, and the group’s experiences with Noah are only the side-dish to an even more complex main course. The story is primarily told from the point of view of Frankie, who has consumed quite a few brownies, unaware they contained an extra ingredient. Through Frankie’s drug-fuelled memories, we see how their decision to identify as a man resembles the challenges faced by Noah.
Stilwell’s script perfectly captures small town living, and a youth fuelled by alcohol, drugs, and a desire to get out before it’s too late. Very comfortably moving between comedy and tragedy each of the characters are developed extraordinarily well. Mia (Louise Coggrave) and Shay (Bella Chapman) face their own challenges following Noah’s death but act as anchors for the group.
Jago (Tom Cain) was in a relationship with Noah, and his pain, along with others, comes from the actions of the largely unseen Digger, who has become immersed in lad culture following the death of his best friend. Alfie Cook, as Digger, appears briefly, but the performance is explosive, pulling the audience forward in their chairs.
As Frankie, Thea Stedman-Jones turns in an incredible performance. From shy sweater wearing wall-flower to drug-charged confidence, Stedman-Jones delivers an impeccable performance topped off with a captivating monologue.
May Contain Traces of Nuts. ends rather abruptly, with none of the plot points actually resolved, but that’s most probably deliberate, after all the conversation about gender fluidity and trans rights is very far from being concluded.
May Contain Traces of Nuts.is an absolutely stunning piece of theatre that achieves so much in so little time. It’s very beautifully written, and performed with undeniable energy by a hugely talented cast.
