EDINBURGH 2013 - BWW Reviews: PREEN BACK YER LUGS, Pleasance Dome, August 10 2013

Amidst all of the questions of what the consequences of next year's independence referendum could be, nobody seems to have asked what would happen to an independent Scotland after a worldwide apocalypse. Until now, that is.

"Preen Back Yer Lugs" is set in the year 2108, in the aftermath of World War 7, where Scotland is the only country left standing, its numerous windmills having carried all of the nuclear fallout away as other nations fell. Into this northern nirvana, its native language and culture prospering thanks to the policies of President For Life Alex Almond (a clone of an early 21st century figure, with an added moustache and missing S!) come English immigrants, fleeing their own country's barren wastes and rubble. Eventually, the English grow tired of their position as an underclass, forbidden from expressing their own culture, and rise up against the tartan tyranny.

Remarkably, "Preen Back Yer Lugs" is actually based on a Finnish play; however, the adaptation, by Paul F Matthews from a translation by Julian Garner is replete with so many great jokes about the residents and cultures of the British Isles that you would not otherwise believe its foreign origins, with both English and Scots skilfully sent up in equal measure. There were distinct echoes of Stanley Baxter's famous Parliamo Glasgow sketches in the bilingual official announcements for the benefit of English refugees, while a moment of marvellous satire parodied "Tomorrow Belongs To Me", the Nazi anthem from "Cabaret" with some more suitably Caledonian lyrics.

The show is performed with energy, gusto and skill by its cast of six actors who do not put a foot wrong throughout as they land the satire's knockout punches. Interestingly, the cast display great ease in switching between well observed Scots and English characters, which rather supports the play's conclusion as it questions whether we are really so different after all. Those who are hoping for a significant contribution towards the independence debate may be a tad underwhelmed, as the play is not overly profound and features a rather trite conclusion; however, it does offer some excellent satirical points on national identity, immigration and whether being prescriptive about culture is ever worthwhile.

Indeed, rather than Tunnocks snowballs or whisky, an English character touches on one of the greatest things about Scottish culture, which is that "no nation has had a greater capacity for laughing at itself", an ability that this show demonstrates throughout. Certainly, I found it easily one of the most entertaining and enjoyable shows of Fringe 2013 so far.

Preen Back Yer Lugs is at the Pleasance Dome until August 25th (not 12th) with performances each day at 1225.

To post a comment, you must register and login.