Issy Cory
Think you know the story of Mary Queen of Scot’s demise? The secrets, lies, and escape plans that preceded her final bow? Shooting Fish Theatre Company take to the stage to ensure the facts are correct, whilst adding a final twist to the tale.
As part of an elongated history lesson-cum-play-within-a-play, we meet Mary in the hours leading up to her execution. She is joined by Barnaby Fulke, a jester-type sent into entertain, and to encourage the almost-Queen to relay her story in fitting attire. They are joined by Euston, a haphazard servant who longs to tread the boards, pleading for a part in this strange sort of documentary.
Unfortunately, The Spy Network is just that: a history lesson. Sure, the format is to tell us what really happened to Mary Queen of Scots, in her words, but what transpires is an exhausting relaying of wikipedia page facts and accounts. For those of us yet to brush up on our history, a lot of it goes in one ear and out the other.
Without some sort of framing narration, a moment to set the scene before cracking on with the lecture, the ensemble fails to grab our attention, and thus the hour feels longer than it should. Livy Potter as Euston attempts at some comedic interjections, but these get lost in the murky depths of all the exposition.
The production is saved by its staging elements. I can’t help but feel disheartened that such excellent props, set pieces and costumes were paired with this script, but alas we can’t have everything. What’s more, the direction is delectable, with blocking that uses the space beautifully, and manoeuvres the staging with a natural ease.
To top it off, the concept of the story is tough to reckon with. It’s hard to believe that Mary would be so keen for a reenactment whilst in the depths of her incarcerated despair, especially with a stranger, after being rumbled by someone she trusted. Her ability to do multiple accents, and to do them well, is also a bit of a stretch. When you cake everything else in so much fact, so much alignment with history, it’s hard not to spot the features that feel discernibly less-so.
The Spy Network’s finale had some wonderful chemistry to it, as it contains a good twist. As it ended, I yearned for this evident ambition to be sprinkled across the rest of the piece, as though all the best bits were saved until the end.
Recommended Drink: Wine.
You can catch The Spy Network at Greenside Riddle’s Court until August 29th at 13:50 (50mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Roe McDonnell
Em Tambree
