REVIEW: Crazy Diamond, Two Foolish Productions, Dundee Fringe 2026 ★★★★

A love letter to Pink Floyd, Crazy Diamond is a thought-provoking show that explores the struggles of pursuing a career in the music industry and the power of strong lyrics. Written and performed by Chris Brannick, it follows 63-year-old Tony, a struggling pub singer who is lamenting his lack of success. After taking LSD for the first time in 20 years, he reflects on the success and genius of Syd Barrett, the lead singer of Pink Floyd and French symbolist poet Arthur Rimbaud, comparing them to his own life, and contemplating if the fact they stopped writing past their earlier twenties was really a waste of talent as many people think. Meanwhile, the phone keeps ringing, as it does every year on this day. Only this time it feels different, and Tony can’t shake the sense that his past might finally be catching up with him.

Three storylines are weaved together: Syd Barrett’s life, Arthur Rimbaud’s legacy, and Tony’s personal demons. Each storyline is equally interesting; there wasn’t one that I was wishing to be over. It is a skill to create such a smooth narrative about three men that have next to nothing in common. The pace of the show is brilliant too, although it does drag a bit towards the end where it becomes obvious what’s going to happen.

As expected, there are plenty of musical interludes performed by Brannick on his guitar. He gushes about the genius of Barrett’s writing and how his words are musical even before the instruments are added, but this doesn’t come across in the song snippets he chooses: the lyrics don’t feel particularly revolutionary or moving. The way that he talks about the band is quite pretentious and snobby. When a pub manager questions why he was singing their songs at a gig, he is condescending, stating he just doesn’t “get it”, and attempting to explain their greatness. Although it’s a bit off-putting for someone who isn’t familiar with Pink Floyd’s music, it is an integral part of the plot.

It’s obvious that Brannick is very passionate about the topic from his thorough research and knowledge of both Barrett and Rimbaud’s life. He brings their stories alive, evoking strong emotions from sadness when Barrett’s bandmates not recognising him in the recording studio, to shock and anger at Rimbaud being groomed by an older man and becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. At times, Brannick becomes so passionate that he stumbles over his lines, which is a small flaw in an otherwise very polished performance.

While Crazy Diamond hasn’t turned me into a Pink Floyd fan, it is certainly an enjoyable, thought-provoking show that makes you think about the power (or lack thereof) of words and the real meaning of success. The themes it deals with will resonate with fans and newbies alike, and it is a detailed tale exploring the struggles of three very different men.

Recommended Drink: A Crazy Diamond: coconut rum, crème de banana, orange juice and soda water.

Performances of Crazy Diamond have concluded at Dundee Fringe 2026.