The Red

This was one of the highlights of our Fringe this year. The outstanding writing was matched by the superb acting. Marcus Brigstocke has created a deeply moving portrayal of the relationship between father and son, and Sam and Bruce Alexander were utterly convincing in the roles (not surprisingly, I suppose!). Above, all, however, it was a subtle and revealing exploration of addiction in general and alcoholism in particular. I'll never think of this terrible affliction in the same way again.

I immediately thought this show had been written by an alcoholic. After some research it seems this is true. Powerful drama giving insight into the dilemma alcoholics must face often. Packed house. Well enjoyed. Can recommend.

Would a father leave his teetotal alcoholic son an “unsettling final bequest” to “drink one final toast” at his wake with a VERY special bottle of wine from his extensive collection? Well he might but it is unclear whether he believes (since he won’t be there to find out) that he will drink it and be fine or the temptation will reinforce his abstinence. The action takes place in the wine cellar where the son contemplates the pros and cons. This could have been an unrelenting monologue but the debate is played out by a real-life father-and-son acting duo, who more than do justice to Marcus Brigstocke’s witty and poignant script. There is, unsurprisingly, a warm relationship despite being argumentative during the beautifully paced dialogue. Society’s attitudes to alcoholics, recovering and otherwise, are well aired though the father’s lifelong “happy” relationship with drink could have been explored further. A thought-provoking hour that passed very easily and quickly despite the subject matter. Did Benedict take a glass of the fine wine and become the son he was meant to be? Or did he resist and remain the son his dad was actually rather proud of? Invest in a ticket!

Watching this show was viscerally painful. I was willing Benedict not to make the wrong choice throughout (a feeling which was, perhaps, heightened by the fact that my son is called Benedict). The mostly middle-aged, Home Counties looking audience around me all seemed to be similarly engaged some sort of mind-control. Despite the dark subject matter, there was a lightness of touch and many moments of levity. Well done to the Alexanders, and to Marcus Brigstocke, for creating a thought-provoking, compelling and enjoyable play.

Wow! This piece left me an emotional wreck! Such a powerful piece of theatre and the two actors were superb. An amazing hour of first class acting & writing. Bravo to all involved.

Wow. Excellent performance. See it if you can. You won’t be disappointed

This show took me to some very real places in my mind. A profound and powerful show which excelled in so many ways.

From a technical perspective the use of light and the set was simple yet highly effective.

For 2 men to hold a room with deep, emotional dialogue, dusted with well timed humour... Was incredible. The performance was immersing and captivating.

A must see if you're wanting a break from slap stick humour at the Fringe.

WOW this was powerful stuff, deals with something that is apparently very personal to Marcus B (he was an alcoholic as a teenager) - handled very sensitively with good humour and having a real father/son cast was a superb idea and worked really well.

Moving and thought provoking and very well performed

A father-son relationship provides an emotional insight into addiction, love and loss that manages to be both personal and universal. Superb performances from real-life father and son Bruce and Sam Alexander.

Hard to believe this is Marcus Brigstocke's first play - harder still not to be moved by it. Get a ticket if you can.

I loved this play.
Funny, emotional, thoughtful.
It showed the great love and respect the father and son had for each other and I was totally drawn into it to the point I wanted to join there conversation at times with my own questions or remarks.
Brilliant. Thank you.