EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: GREATER BELFAST, Traverse Theatre, 5 August

Greater Belfast is the brainchild of Matt Regan AKA Little King. Described as "part gig, part theatre", it takes its audience on a journey of a city still aching from its past.

Regan is a gifted storyteller and the piece is beautifully crafted. Accompanied by the Cairn String Quartet, this performance manages to be gig, theatre, poetry and spoken word all at once. We begin with Belfast slang and patter and are told early on that this is not a show about "the T word". Exploring the history of the linen factories and the peace lines, this makes for a very interesting production.

Greater Belfast is a celebration of the city. While Regan acknowledges that his hometown is "a bit shite", he emphasises that there is a rich past that has shaped Belfast. I really enjoyed how he's managed to convey that you can be proud of where you come from - but still want to get the hell out.

The piece is incredibly atmospheric, owed in large part to the Cairn String Quartet. While there are several songs throughout the performance, it is mostly poetry scored beautifully by the musicians. For a fairly simple set, the lighting managed to transform Greater Belfast into a show that is also visually stunning. Not to be missed.

Greater Belfast runs at the Traverse Theatre until 28 August

Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic

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