EDINBURGH 2013- BWW Reviews: THE YEAR I WAS GIFTED, Sweet Venues Grassmarket, August 3 2013

The Year I Was Gifted tells the true story of how a woman lied her way into the most prestigious performing arts school in America.

A one woman show delivered with passion and enthusiasm, The Year I Was Gifted is engaging and thought provoking.

Accepted into the boarding school on a half scholarship the narrator describes the determination and cunning she used to raise the funds to cover her tuition. Once in the school, she is told that if she wants to be funded for the second year she needs to do something 'memorable' with her time there.

When a classmate is expelled from the school for being gay, she can't stand by and let this happen. She composes a song titled "Expulsion 34" which addresses the homophobia of the head teacher. She is faced with the decision of whether she wants to confront the people who would decide the fate for her second year, or to compromise her integrity and keep quiet.

Although the story is interesting, at one hour it feels a little long and possibly could have been slightly condensed.

The Year I Was Gifted runs at Sweet Venues, Grassmarket until August 25th. Ticket and timing info is available here.