EDINBURGH 2018: Review: THIRTEEN, Gilded Balloon

Evan is about to turn thirteen and this means he'll be having his bar mitzvah. One of the most important nights of his life, which will determine his social standing for the rest of his school days. Then he finds out that his parents are splitting up and he has to move from New York City to Indiana. How quickly can he establish himself in this new school and ensure he has a successful bar mitzvah?

Captivate Theatre bring loads of energy to this production. The leads change depending on the performance but I felt the particularly strong cast members for Saturday's performance were the ones playing Evan, Patrice and Lucy.

There are some great representations of high school personalities in Thirteen. From the outcasts to the bitchy girls, the characters are well fleshed out and the plot is definitely believable as Evan has to choose between doing what is right and what will make him popular at school.

Dan Elish and Robert Horn's book can get a little uncomfortable in places. While its all meant to be in good humour, listening to twelve-year-old boys try and plot how to tongue and grope the girls that they like comes across as pretty creepy.

The young cast are definitely capable of carrying this performance and make for an entertaining couple of hours.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/13

Photo credit- Rae Mitchell Photography

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