Edinburgh Festival Fringe Review: Body of Water (****)

Body of Water is a gritty play that will challenge your mind although it is not for everyone. However, it is a very well portrayed piece of theatre based on a true story in London where anti-capitalist squatters launch a rave in a dilapidated mansion. The Facebook generation will understand this story extremely well as there are many references to social media in it. From the start though be warned that there is offensive language, some strobe lighting, and themes of drug taking none of which can be avoided if the subject is to be portrayed accurately.

The stage for this drama is somewhat small but the acting is of an extremely high standard and the company copes well with the space. There is excellent use of lighting to make quick scene changes from one side of the stage – at the police station – to the other – at the rave.  The soundtrack helps to set a fast pace as well as adding to the feeling of what it is like to be at a rave.  The play is engaging and some of it is a bit of a detective’s whodunit with some unusual twists and turns. A very worthwhile hour!

You can see Body of Water at Pleasance Courtyard 3.25pm daily until 29^th Aug.  (http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/body-of-water)