Issy Cory
Alan is in his hometown of Bunderr to celebrate his mother’s birthday, just a few months after the death of Chris, his brother. An old friend, Mark, rocks up to the event, with some harsh truths about Chris, stirring up past trauma that becomes too much to handle.
Within Bunderr’s staunchly religious community, the revelatory actions of members of the clergy are a shock to everyone. Alan is desperate to uncover the truth, to get justice for his dead brother, but no-one cares to hear him. As he continues in vain to spread the word, more and more individuals come forward to silence him.
At the centre of the story is Alan, played dutifully by Jake Douglas, frequently wracked with pain over the tragedy casting a shadow over Chris’s short life. He is onstage for the majority of the play, flitting enthusiastically between scenes and never losing energy.
Alan and Siobhan’s relationship is played out with sensitivity, and an undeniable charm. Though this secondary plotline does not explicitly progress the core narrative, it is still an enjoyable contrast to the misery that swallows up Alan’s life.
Our Brothers in Cloth explores a story that has been widely covered in recent years, however there is no distinction from this story to those that have been told before, no specific spin that motivates our engagement as an audience.
Structurally, the script shows its hand far too soon. Some delay in the unveiling of Chris’s story could have allowed for a more gradual build up of tension. The repetitive nature of the discussions between Alan, and those who won’t believe his story, dilutes the conflict somewhat.
Despite this having an ensemble of five, there were missed opportunities to use the cast to imagine the swiftly changing communities and locations. Doubling up as pub drinkers, as members of a congregation, or different relatives at a family party, could have injected some creative energy into the production.
There was an attempt to use the benches lining the edge of the stage in inventive ways, however they could have been utilised far more. Frequently, characters would remain sat on these benches throughout other scenes, however the purpose of their presence was lost, as they sat lifeless, not engaged in the action.
Our Brothers in Cloth really does whip through the narrative, with a handful of satisfying scenes which dare to settle into the pauses. These stories, especially based on real-life events, need to be told, but this one felt like it needed more to say.
Recommended Drink: Communion wine.
You can catch Our Brothers in Cloth at Studio Five at Assembly George Square Studios on August 25th at 12:15. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jake Mace
Lamesha Ruddock
Jasmine Silk
