REVIEW: Persona, Namesake Theatre, EdFringe 2026 ★★★★

Four boarding-school alumni gather in a secluded country house to divide a dead friend’s trust, but the night quickly begins to unravel. Insults fly, compliments are concealed and civility begins to fracture under the weight of social grace pushed to its breaking point.

By turns hilarious and hellish, Persona peels back the curtain on the masks we wear to survive, and asks what, if anything, lies beneath. Award winning LAMDA graduate company Namesake Theatre returns to the Edinburgh Fringe with their new play: a gripping, darkly comic and cathartically unsettling reunion which is one that will shock you minute by minute.

With this show we emerge having experienced a heightened representation of upper-class Gen Zs. Each performer brings something incredibly different and their characters reflect a different perspective on the boarding school world. Max Allen’s writing mixed with Olivia Woods’ direction makes this an impressive production in every aspect.

Polly Towers’ Gemma brings the perspective of a young woman coming into her own within a High Society environment. She has only just become part of this group, and the shifting energy that she brings is mesmerising. The manipulation she creates, how she has the lads wrapped around her finger only shows how incredible a performer Towers is. 

Elliot Diner’s Geoffrey brings a unique perspective. Being from America, his experience of life means he is thrown into the deep end of the conflict explored in Persona. Geoffrey’s one-liners, complete with Diner’s facial expressions and characterisation that is bring a contrast to the dynamic, which is needed.

Max Allen’s James at the beginning brings warmth and as the play goes on, you realise that warmth isn’t really only a facade. He bounces on and off stage for the majority of the production, and as the climax begins and we realise his true identity. What James is trying to do to the members of the group is twisted, written impeccably by Allen himself. 

Finally, Cameron Forrest’s Rupert is sharp as a knife edge from his first line. The way he deals with the situation is purposefully tensional, and makes us uncomfortable in the best way. His energy towards the end of Persona has us on the edge of our seats, gasping as the darkness grows.

You can catch Persona at theSpaceTriplex from August 22-29 at 20:05 (50mins). Tickets are available to book through the Edinburgh Fringe Box Office website.