EDINBURGH 2023: Review: JAMES ROWLAND: PIECE OF WORK, Summerhall
James Rowland: Piece of Work runs until 27 August
Piece of Work issues trigger warnings at the top of the show (which were also available online) and James Rowland highlights how easy it is if audience members feel the need to leave for any reason. He promises not to draw attention to anyone as some of the topics such as suicide are difficult and he is aware that not everyone will be comfortable with it.
This show is inspired by 5 seconds of Rowland’s life that had a profound impact on him. It all started with a letter from Dick. A man that James hadn’t seen since 2007 knew that he would be performing nearby and invited him to his house which stirred up some complicated feelings.
Piece of Work is largely about James’ brother, Chris and the relationship (or lack of) that he has with Dick. Rowland knows exactly what he is doing to keep the audience in the palm of his hand throughout. He keeps the house lights up and maintains eye contact. He is a master at building tension and then breaking it with a warm smile.
The message running through the show is that people are complex and that the good in people exists along with the bad.
Anyone who has seen James Rowland’s work before will know what a captivating storyteller he is and Piece of Work is no exception to this. You’ll leave this show feeling full of hope and quite possibly, a craving for a chicken burger.
Reader Reviews
Get Broadway News on WhatsApp
Receive the latest updates, breaking news, and exclusive coverage from Broadway directly in WhatsApp.
Videos
|
Suitcase Show Assembly Roxy (8/05-8/30) |
|
Tap Out! (Or I'll Hit You Again) Gilded Balloon Patter House (The Coorie) (8/05-8/31) |
|
NewsRevue Pleasance Courtyard (8/05-8/31) |
|
|
Count Arthur Strong - And Its Goodnight From Me! EICC (5/30-5/30) |
|
You Are What You Eat theSpace on the mile (8/07-8/22) PHOTOS |
|
Spin Cycle Underbelly (Clover) (8/05-8/31) |
|
Black Blues Brothers: Let's Twist Again! Underbelly (8/05-8/31) |
|
The Second Best School Shooting Pleasance Courtyard (8/05-8/30) |
|
The Trials of Magnus Coffinkey Summerhall (Red Lecture Theatre) (8/06-8/31) |
|
Trainspotting The Musical Edinburgh Playhouse (10/19-10/24) |
| VIEW ALL SHOWS ADD A SHOW | |