Issy Cory
PC Nicky McCreadie patrols Edinburgh’s Meadows almost every day. Even on her days off, she feels a certain responsibility to be there, to protect the people of the city. She thrives on the routine that the Meadows provides, until the equilibrium is disturbed.
When the sun comes out, all hell breaks loose. Different factions begin fraternising with one another, and as the heat builds, so does the tension. PC McCreadie does her best to control the chaos, but when she comes face-to-face with a predator, her senses are blinded.
Molly Geddes puts in an absolute shift with this monologue, which is apt as it tells the story of the long days Nicky spends as a police officer. At times lilting, and at other times striking, her beautiful Glasgow accent picks up the dialogue and bounces it around the room. She is utterly compelling to watch.
Along with Isla Cowan’s script, Geddes creates numerous moments of humour in Alright Sunshine. We are won over by Nicky’s charisma, and sheer dedication to her work. It is also a complete thrill to see a woman played with so much bravado, and the discussion of these conflicting feminine and masculine forces is intriguing.
In truth, Cowan has written a love letter to Edinburgh with this monologue. For a seasoned citygoer, there are nostalgic mentions of people, places, and things that really bring the scene to life. Cowan is very skilled at painting a picture through this detailed description.
As the tension builds in the first quarter of the speech, which is written masterfully, we are waiting for this tension to go somewhere. Though we progress through the narrative, that tension falls slightly limp. From the play’s blurb, we are expecting a ‘brawl’ to break out, for this to be the peak of the action, but it never quite manifests itself.
Over the course of the monologue, it’s also impossible not to notice how much Cowan uses lists and synonyms to shape the dialogue. Some variation here would have enhanced proceedings, especially as there is so much good elsewhere in the show.
Most of all, there is a profound relationship created between performer and audience, which is so vital for this type of production. Alright Sunshine presents a new perspective into the life of the Meadows, that of the police officer, and it’s thrilling to get a peek behind the scenes.
Recommended Drink: Greggs coffee. (And a sausage roll)
You can catch Alright Sunshine at Jack Dome at Pleasance Dome from Aug 23, 24 at 16:20. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jake Mace
Lamesha Ruddock
Jasmine Silk
