Please Right Back is the latest production from award-winning theatre company 1927. Running at The Studio in Edinburgh for its Scottish premiere at the Edinburgh International Festival this production seamlessly blends imagination and reality to tell the story of the fantastical adventures of the elusive ‘Mr. E’. The masterful fusion of striking animation and dialogue from on-stage actors creates a hybrid storyline, leading the audience along the blurred boundary between fantasy and reality, prompting us to question what we believe.
This performance is equal parts hilarious as it is tear-jerking. Laced with satire, pastiche and jazzy musical interludes, this play manages expertly to amalgamate comedy and dystopia. Beginning with the letters between the missing Mr. E and his children, telling of his whimsical and mad adventures, we are introduced to his offspring Kim and Davey, who are adjusting to life with an absent father. The character of Davey is animated, but he is as authentic and compelling as his on-stage sister.
Despite its hysterical moments, social realism is at the core. The play provides a stark commentary on the power imbalance inherent in the class system and the pitfalls of the criminal justice system. Please Right Back places the families and children affected as the focal point. By viewing such poignant social issues through the eyes of children, we see a child-like innocence persist.
Standing in contrast is a far more sinister angle, illustrated by evasive characters such as ‘The Big Man’ and the ominous institution ironically named ‘The Ministry of Joy’. To add to this threatening vein, we also see undertones of illuminati-esque watchful eyes, with periodical interjections containing monologues from mysterious minion-like characters.
Inspired by writer-director Suzanne Andrade’s own experiences as a child, the play is a testament to the power of storytelling in the processing of trauma. The balance between darkness and childish delight is reflected in the black-and-white animation scattered with pangs of colour, with brilliant musical and dance numbers also intertwined.
Four actors shuffle between over twenty roles. At one point, schoolboy Kenneth hilariously also plays his own grandma. These actors expertly and ingeniously bring the characters to life. The animation is displayed on three screens behind the actors on stage and the seamless interaction between the two elements displays remarkable skill. Despite the often playful dialogue, tension also builds as the audience begins to wonder what the intentions are of Sally, a menacing character who visits the family home under the guise of friendship.
An utterly compelling show of striking animation, stunning original music and witty dialogue, Please Right Back offers a glorious visual display whilst providing a pertinent social commentary.
With thanks to Freya Paxton for this review. Artmag.co.uk’s review of 1927’s Edinburgh International Festival production of ‘Roots’, at Church Hill Theatre, can be found here.
