Elaine C. Smith has a commanding stage presence throughout Denise Mina’s adaptation of Bertolt Brecht’s play written in 1940.
She’s a good fit for the gender-switch and the role of the potty-mouthed, generous drunk who promises working-class men and women the world when under the influence, only to withdraw her offer when sober.
Along with Steve McNicoll as Matti, the pair make a successful comic double-act. The P.A/chauffeur is the voice of reason trying to keep the ball on the deck when Mrs P goes on an endless bender. Oğuz Kaplangı is a boon to the production, as a musician on stage playing dark, cinematic riffs. As are the supporting cast, among them Natalie Arle-Toyne and Beth Marshall bring colour and definition.
The darkness soon turns into farce when Joanne McGuinness as Eva resists an arranged marriage with The Attaché (Richard Conlon) falling for Matti, who does his best to resist.
The modern politics at times feels forced into the script but when it is suggested that we should never accept charity in the place of our rights, it leaves food for thought in the context of food banks.
Although the script requires a trim, the final act packs a killer punch that is worth the wait.
The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Citizens Theatre in association with DOT Theatre, Istanbul present
Mrs Puntila and Her Man Matti
by Bertolt Brecht, adapted by Denise Mina
Directed by Murat Daltaban
Starring Elaine C. Smith
28 February – 21 March 2020, The Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh
25 March – 11 April 2020, Citizens Theatre at Tramway
