REVIEW: The Cyclops, Acting Coach Scotland, EdFringe 2025 ★★★★

On the first anniversary of a cousin lost too soon and an evening dedicated to finally spreading his ashes, the Cyclops explores the impact of men’s mental health, toxic masculinity and the discussions that come after death when you are desperate for answers. As the twists and turns are revealed of this family drama, the Odyssey element feels to be drowned out but instead reveals a better family drama on the surface.

While it wasn’t the ocean odyssey adventure I expected, they did feature moments from the famous poem which to be honest left me more questions than answers, what purpose was it serving to the story? The double meaning of losing the crew at the hands of a monster and figuring out how to go forward with your head held high is a theme that features heavily for all the cousins but I felt more drawn to the story in the real world than its inspiration.

Derek Coyle’s Michael carries the show on his back as the frustrated brother still piecing together the story of why or how his brother passed away while dealing with the antics of all of his cousins in one room for the first time in what seemed like years. The particular bond with Harrison Burnside’s Alex and Liam McCafferty’s Chris stood out to me most, two distant brothers with pasts of their own still to unpack. McCafferty’s toxic masculinity with Burnside’s caring charm and always wanting to see the good in everyone couldn’t be more different from each other which results in a very moving face off.

The chemistry each of the lads have is excellent and you can really tell this is a discussion that would really occur in a corner of a pub. With each reckless move Coyle makes, the true side of each of the cousins are revealed. Thomas Alexander Ross’ Francis hides a cold hard truth beneath his quiet exterior and as the family dramas only grow the night goes to spiral into something no one saw coming. 

The Cyclops is an amazing play but with the wrong branding. It really tells the story of grief in men and how if it bubbles for too long the explosions they will involve.

You can catch The Cyclops until August 23rd (not the 17th) at Annexe at theSpace @ Symposium Hall from 14:05 (50mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.