EDINBURGH 2018: Review: THE GREATEST PLAY IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD, Traverse

The Greatest Play In The History Of The World isn't bragging about this particular piece of theatre. Julie Hesmondhalgh narrates the story of a man called Tom and this is the title of the play that he is writing.

Tom doesn't really leave his house and as a result, he notices a lot on his street from his living room window. The script is very descriptive and gives us an excellent glimpse into life on the normally busy Preston Road.

Tom is a man who likes words and symmetry. The story bounces between all the girls that Tom has had feelings for and this particular day when his clock stops at 04:40 am and time stands still.

The play has a surprising sci-fi feel to it. It's a love story but through space and time. Ian Kershaw's script is wonderfully wordy and Hesmondhalgh's storytelling manner is gentle, much like somebody reading a bedtime story. At points, the narration comes booming over the speakers, reminding me a little of a planetarium which is fitting with the themes of the play.

This is a quirky and charming little play which is beautifully executed by Hesmondhalgh. Greeting the audience as they come in and being so highly engaged with the audience throughout is what makes it such a delight.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/greatest-play-in-the-history-of-the-world

Photo credit: Sid Scott

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