Picture: Mihaela Bodlovic
To Save the Sea was reviewed at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. The tour continues until 2 November 2024.
Star rating: four stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ✩
Given that this is speaking of events 30 years ago, there is a resonance with our present time struggle with our environment, our political ‘rulers’ and high-profit business. In this new piece, written and directed by Isla Cowan and Andy McGregor for Sleeping Warrior Theatre Company, there is a generous helping of ‘agitprop’ theatre using some rather good music to drive home the point being made.
This is the true story of the Brent Spar platform in the North Sea having come to the end of its viability as a profit-maker for Shell Oil. The most cost-effective disposal of the rig was to sink it to the sea bed. Greenpeace activists moved in to occupy the platform and to highlight the environmental imperative to save the sea from the resulting toxins. This show presents the case for Greenpeace strongly: the influence of the media in creating public awareness is central to the plot.
From the opening number, the Greenpeace activists are seen as strong, harmonious and resolute in their purpose of defending the sea. The close harmonies are sung beautifully in an almost tableau staging to let the audience take in Claire Halleran’s set depicting the oil platform high above the stage floor. Atmospheric lighting from Simon Wilkinson supports the design perfectly, as does the stage floor area used to portray the seedier side of Shell as they resolve to stick to the plan of sinking the Brent Spar.
The Shell executives are led by Rupert (David Rankine) in a side-splitting performance with strong singing and unbelievable physical comedic movement. John Cleese would definitely induct him into the Ministry for Silly Walks! The high comedy from the Shell boardrooms is wonderfully done with techniques ranging from 1960s bop to a Cabaret-inspired ‘Money’ number.
The protestors depict the international nature of Greenpeace activists with a range of accents and backstories to indicate people from all walks of life finding a passion that drives them into action to defend the North Sea at any cost. The counterpoints between the activists and Shell are sung through with great accomplishment: literally ‘against’ each other.
Special mention must be made of the portrayal of the famously grey John Major by Ewan Somers – pitch perfect.
It was heartening to see such an entertaining political piece resonate with the sold-out theatre. If you can, grab a ticket for this show.
Fiona Orr
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.