Morna Young’s two-act play After Party is a touching performance of a political debate brought down to a family level.
After Party doesn’t hide its themes behind a veil. From the moment Viv performs Hamlet’s soliloquy as the opener to her final birthday party, assisted dying is argued and accepted. After her cancer returns Viv wants to celebrate her life before being able to die. Not because she wants to but because it’s inevitable.
Direction by Katie Posner is simple, elegant and smooth without it detracting from the story. When a scene is played on a small part of the stage the actors continue to perform.
In a dysfunctional family it is imperative that Alison Peebles plays Viv with such leading lady energy. Her witty lines and motivation to celebrate are infectious with the contrast to her illness perfectly crafted. The switch between the performative Vivienne and the real Viv is where the personability lies.
Motivated by the house and will, son Geoff (Gilly Gilchrist) pretends that the news hasn’t knocked him off. Despite the selfish motivation the large personality and unusual circumstances allow for sympathy to bleed through. Hilary MacLean plays his sister Lily who only holds on to her faith that the Lord will help her through. This creates a conflict between her son and his partner.
James (Angus Yellowlees) and Cass (Ruby Glynne) are facing difficulty in their relationship down to James’ mother but they are both supportive of Viv’s choice while James is comedically deeply emotional throughout. Cousin Sasha (Rachel Dick) is excited to meet Cass and meet other celebrities that her “Glamma” has invited. Truthfully she is there to reconnect with her father Geoff with big news to reveal.
Liz Kettle as Viv’s wife and Geoff’s ex, Carol, must keep the night, and loud voices, under control. Her support of Viv’s decision but not being happy with it makes the job even harder. Her performance is greater in the second act. Viv’s ex-husband Bill, played by Benny Young, is just as theatrical and witty as Viv and helps the family along in their decisions. Maryam Hamidi rounds out the cast as Lesley as a newly trained doctor in assisted dying who, after a job in palliative care, has seen those struggle at the end of their life without having the control over their life.
The ideas of the piece aren’t heavy-handed with the characters spanning the spectrum of the opinions we see in the debate. Morna Young and the show portray death as joyful which is all the more powerful.
It would be unrealistic to go into the show without expecting to be moved but the show doesn’t leave you sobbing. It is so carefully set up just to make you shed a tear.
As Viv is so theatrical, music is a big element with her wanting to sing ‘Highway to Hell’ the night before her death but the diegetic familiar songs tie the story nicely. Teases of Frank Sinatra’s ‘My Way’ apply to Viv’s life perfectly. ‘Cabaret’ alleviates any lasting sadness at the conclusion.
After Party is a glimpse into a real conversation with performances from established actors that leaves you taking a breath on a new look at life and death.
Where to Watch After Party
Morna Young’s After Party is running at the Traverse Theatre from 6-30 August (except Mondays) with times varying. You can buy tickets here.
Have a look at all of Brig’s other coverage of Edinburgh Fringe shows here.
Featured Image Credit: Marc Brenner
Journalism and Film and Media student who loves writing about TV. @darcyrobson07
