The Abrupt Son

Theatre (drama, new writing)

  • theSpace on the Mile - Space 2
  • 17:10
  • Aug 19
  • 45 minutes
  • Suitability: 18+ (Guideline)
  • Country: United Kingdom - England
  • Group: Knock on Wood Productions
  • Warnings and additional info: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Scenes of a sexual nature and violence, Strong language/swearing
  • Accessibility: May not apply to all performances. You'll find more information about accessibile performances and how to book tickets in the accessibility tab below.
  • Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket
  • Policy applies to: Children under 18 months

Description

When Cynthia's husband dies during her pregnancy, she's expected to mourn. Instead, she's jubilant. He can never hurt her again. But what if the baby turns out just like him? Cynthia can't let that happen. She doesn't know whether to let nature take its course or to raise him to get her revenge. So she'll experiment as she goes. There's not long for her to decide though – she's in labour. Harry's son will be here any moment. Which life is she going to choose?

Please note that while all media gallery content is provided by verified members of the event, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society does not review or approve this content before it is posted. Reports of inappropriate content or copyright infringement can be directed to [email protected].

General venue access

  • Accessible entry: If not taking the lift it is 14 steps into the space.
  • Wheelchair access type: Platform Lift

  • Stairs: 11- 20
    Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above.

Each venue can contain several space with different accessibly information. Visit the venue page for full venue accessibility info


How and when to make an access booking

Our access tickets service is available to anyone who:

  • Would like to book specific accessibility services, e.g. a hearing loop, audio description headsets, captioning units, seating in relation to the location of the BSL interpreter
  • Requires extra assistance when at a venue
  • Has specific seating requirements
  • Is a wheelchair user
  • Requires a complimentary personal assistant ticket to attend a performance

Erika James 36 days ago

Excellent piece of new theatre, very well performed by the young duo. The female lead is mesmerising and holds the audience throughout. The male lead does well to convey all the emotions needed for this complex part. Fully recommend this thought provoking piece.

Thomas Vincent 37 days ago

Experience the real value of the Fringe by seeing two young actors in a small room before a small audience, display their emerging talent with this challenging material.

emma drye 37 days ago

If the fringe is in any sense about talent spotting then I would urge any actor talent scouts to see Michael James in action. They did such a nuanced job of playing the son (and channeling father) in this complex structure of a play. I hope they get the breaks and sustain their self belief. A rare talent.

James Gordon 39 days ago

'That was intense!' said the young actor playing the title part, struggling to step out of character to thank the audience after yesterday's performance. Arguably, the mother is the pivotal role, but this play is even-handed and soon moves beyond the angry feminism of her opening monologue. However much she redirects justified rage against her deceased, abusive partner towards their offspring, however fierce her efforts to ensure the son doesn't turn out like his dad, from the moment he bursts through the curtains onto the scene the son has a life of his own, and sensitivity, allowing hope that both parties will finally be able to move on.

This is a thoughtful, sometimes funny and, yes, intense piece of drama, tackling a difficult subject head-on, showing the long-term impact of domestic abuse not only upon its direct victim but, through her, on someone who wasn't even born when the abuse happened. One or two time shifts between scenes are unclear but this could easily be sorted out.


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

One4Review (3/5 stars) 31 days ago

Fantastic acting

Read the full review


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.

Please login to add a review


Participants - for further details on our audience and published review policies, including how to add or opt out of reviews, please click here.