REVIEW: Down to the Felt, Two Birds Theatre Co, EdFringe 2025 ★★★★

Ailith married Ethan so that he could secretly be with Gabriel. For seven years they have been hiding altogether, in their flat, to escape from the new totalitarian regime that rages on the outside. Now, the authorities are getting a bit too close for comfort. 

As a defense attorney, Ailith has firsthand experience with those who are affected by these new laws, and is doing everything in her power to keep Ethan and Gabriel safe. As much as they know how vital it is for them to hide, Ethan and Gabriel are tired of loving each other in the shadows. 

Two Birds Theatre Co’s new show sits nicely between reality and dystopia. The world of the play is gradually let out to us, keeping us hooked as the minutes go by. They do well to raise the stakes, meaning we’re emotionally invested in the outcome of our characters. 

Ailith’s character is by far the most intriguing. Played wonderfully by Lizzie Kilbride, she is fighting at the battlefront, carrying the pain of those prosecuted with a tortured elegance. We feel the internal conflict as she simultaneously facilitates the relationship of two people she loves, whilst trying to hold them back from blowing their cover. 

Ethan and Gabriel’s relationship is, however, less credible. As well as being muddied by Ailith’s ambiguous feelings for Ethan, there is a lack of chemistry between the pair. There is intimacy in the choreographed moments, yet we lose this in the overall portrayal of their love for each other. 

Yet, it is a forceful reminder that there are plenty of areas in the world where homosexuality is still criminalised, and Down to the Felt brings this into a UK context with passion. It becomes easier for us to imagine how far we would go to protect those we love in these circumstances. 

Whilst theirs is a small stage, the space is not helped by the large round wooden table placed upstage. As a result, the blocking is limited, and actors are often squeezing by one another to get around. As the table is used only sporadically, this feels as though it could be reconsidered. 

That said, Down to the Felt is a genuine, imaginative, and stark love story. With a dramatic finale, this show has a lot going for itself. 

Recommended Drink: Tea.

You can catch Down to the Felt at Mint Studio at Greenside @ George Street from Aug 20-23 at 15:10. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.