Edinburgh Fringe Review 15th August 2026

Set inside a police cell following a queer rights protest, Brick traces the shifting state of mind of James, a young protester struggling to understand how he arrived there. Initially angry and confrontational, he gradually becomes confused, reflective and increasingly disturbed as the night unfolds.

James shares the cell with a drunk, unconscious detainee who remains on the floor throughout the play. His silence gives James space to speak freely, effectively turning him into a captive audience for the character’s recollections and confessions. However, I found myself waiting for the cellmate to wake up and contribute at least one word. That expectation became a little distracting, although full credit must go to the actor for remaining convincingly unconscious without actually falling asleep. His occasional shuffling at least reminds us that he is still there.

The production offers an interesting exploration of what confinement can do to a protester’s state of mind. James moves between defiance, uncertainty and vulnerability as the emotional consequences of his arrest begin to surface. I would have liked the play to reveal more about the protest itself and perhaps spend less time on some of the additional issues James introduces during the later scenes. These ideas are individually worthwhile, but their accumulation sometimes draws attention away from the play’s strongest central theme.

Creating a sense of changing places and perspectives is difficult in one of the Fringe’s smaller venues. Here, however, the limitations of the space are appropriate. This is literally black box theatre, and its stark confinement suits the setting of a police cell.

An ambitious production with a strong central performance and plenty of promise.

Show	Brick
Dates & Times	5–30 August 2026 at 16:15
Production Company	Boondog Theatre (supported by) Left For Dead Theatre (Instagram)
Ticket Link	Edinburgh Fringe
Venue	C aurora, Venue 6