REVIEW: Woodcutter, John Anthony Gorman, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

As an only child, it is John Anthony Gorman’s responsibility to clear out his childhood home after his parents pass. When he returns to Scotland from the USA, he finds the house is filled with not only possessions, but vivid memories. Written by Gorman along with Mickele Hogan, Woodcutter is an autobiographical play based on Gorman’s experience of losing both his parents, and dealing with the responsibilities that come as they age.

Woodcutter is a fitting tribute to the people that raised him. Gorman’s dad comes across as wise, encouraging Gorman to believe in himself, and ignore the bullies that critique his appearance. His mum is larger than life, dramatically wailing that she is the artistic one in the family after he tells her that he is going to acting school.

She was the best mum, Gorman says, until she turned to alcohol to cope with her grief. Whilst it was dementia that ultimately took her life, in some respects it gave him his mum back. He is honest about the relief he felt after she passed, as well as a rare admission of guilt, though felt by many.

Gorman isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, telling stories that portray him in a negative light as well as relaying happy memories. He simultaneously expresses remorse whilst defending his actions, daring the audience to form their judgements. Gorman must be commended for this: it is rare to see male vulnerability front and centre on stage, stripped free from comedy to lighten the load.

Woodcutter‘s sadness is perfectly balanced with laugh-out-loud jokes, from running down the stairs on Christmas morning to a huge pile of presents, to his mum insisting she’s known he is gay since he borrowed her diamond earrings as a tween (he’s not by the way; he was going through a David Beckham phase). A running gag that the audience are the world’s worst removal men cuts through the tension, and works as a good segue between scenes.

Gorman’s wonderful narration paints a vivid picture of his family’s life. A few Americanisms sneak into the script, which does break the fluidity slightly. We were also left wanting more detail about The Woodcutter, the pub that Gorman’s parents own. Considering it forms the title of the play, it seems a lost opportunity for it to feature as little as it did.

That being said, Woodcutter is a tender and poignant tale of love, loss and family. By delicately balancing jokes with bittersweet nostalgia, John Anthony Gorman creates a touching tribute to his parents that resonates deeply with the audience.

Recommended drink: A pint of Guinness to honour Gorman’s dad.

You can catch Woodcutter at theSpace Triplex (Studio) from August 16-29 at 16:05 (50mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.