EDINBURGH 2025: Review: FLY, YOU FOOLS!: RECENT CUTBACKS, Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance Beyond

From the creators of Hold On To Your Butts, Recent Cutbacks return with a gloriously inventive UK premiere which transforms an epic fantasy film into a joyous, lo fi theatrical romp. This is not simply a parody but a love letter to the genre, brimming with clever theatrical tricks and affection for its source.

Nick Abel, Laurence Pears and Kyle Schaefer command the stage with relentless energy, switching between heroes, villains and mythical beasts with a precision which keeps the pace thrilling. Their ability to embody multiple roles at epic speed is matched by Kelly Robinson’s masterful Foley work, which turns mundane objects into raging storms, clashing swords and monstrous roars. Her live soundscapes are as much a spectacle as the action itself.

One of the production’s most striking elements is its stunning use of shadow and projection, conjuring vast landscapes and dramatic silhouettes which rival any cinematic panorama. These moments are balanced with excellent slow-motion fight scenes, in which exaggerated gestures and perfectly timed expressions amplify both the comedy and the tension.

The humour sparkles throughout, from a side-splitting commentary on why the eagle could not simply finish the quest, to sly intertextual winks referencing the actors’ other well-known screen roles, think Mr Anderson from The Matrix. The piece thrives on such details, offering layered rewards for devoted fans, while remaining entirely accessible to newcomers.

The parody works because it is rooted in respect. The ensemble revels in presenting well-worn fantasy moments, while also celebrating the storytelling craft which makes them endure. Every beat is delivered with warmth, camaraderie and a mischievous glint.

With its inventive staging, razor sharp performances and sheer commitment to theatrical play, Fly, You Fools! proves that with imagination, skill and mischief, a small ensemble can conjure a world as epic as any blockbuster. This is theatre which revels in the art of playful, brave interpretive storytelling.

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