Enquiry Concerning Hereafter

A play of ideas brought wonderfully to life through excellent performances and fantastic direction. Has the entire audience deeply engaged throughout. Much enjoyed it.

This was my last show (of 29) this year and a fine way to finish. Thoroughly recommended.

Compared with French counterparts Voltaire and Comte, Scottish philosophers are perhaps, less well known amongst the general public. The protagonists thrown up by the Scottish Enlightenment are, no question; their equal. Enquiry Concerning Hereafter goes some way to redress this. Duane Kelly’s play, directed by Andy Corelli, presents the friendship between David Hume and Adam Smith in their autumn years. They debate, laugh, cajole, challenge and support each other as they stave off the impending tap of Charon’s staff.

We first meet a less than healthy Hume in his bed. As he wakes he is confronted with the ethereal figure of Charon (Ian Sexon) who has come to ferry him across the Styx. Hume plays for time in order that he might see his good friend Smith one last time. It would, after all, be a shame to waste the food prepared by his house-keeper. Charon agrees, indicating that he will not be far. The touching relationship between Hume and Smith, subsequently played respectively by Mark Coleman and Dougal Lee, powers the play beautifully as the two air their latest philosophical musings wondering all the while what context might be had against a lifetime of research.

As in life, so in death must a river run through their friendship. And Smith’s move into Hume’s erstwhile home, Panmure House, does nothing to change this as the Forth is replaced by the Styx. The Lecture Room at Panmure House - the backdrop to this play - readily summons the
atmosphere which would’ve held sway during their sporadic meetings. The nuanced performances are perfectly aliased to dialogue such that the metatextuality of philosophical discourse imparts two minds entwining, diverging before finally aligning. We witness the essence of true friendship with all kinks and quirks present. These characters are
quite simply a joy to watch…perhaps the reason why Charon gave them a few extra minutes to share in each other’s company.

https://www.burnhamdramaturgy.com/non-place/review-enquiry-concerning-hereafter

A fabulous and engaging show. All 3 actors were superb, enacting the relationship between David Hume and Adam Smith in a clever and humerous way , yet still covering (as much a could be done in 75 mins) some of the history and impact both had on society then and now.

A site specific treat with three wonderful actors doing great work, individually and as an ensemble. Thoroughly enjoyed.