As I walked into Leith Arches, I had been transported into an underground rave. The audience were buying drinks or dancing, or simply looking at the colorful lights and soaking in the atmosphere. I had heard great reviews of Saltire Sky’s ‘Bits N Pieces‘, so I was thrilled to experience it myself. Off the back of reviewing MANikin, I had high expectations for Saltire Sky’s next performance.
Bits ‘N’ Pieces follows three friends Matty, Tommy and Dougie, born and bred in Edinburgh and navigating life through friendship, music and grass. After Matty joins the RAF, the boys decide to throw him a leaving do at a rave at Usher Hall. But after trying Mandy (MDMA) for the first time, the boys lives are changed forever. Filled with techno and flashing lights, Bits ‘N’ Pieces is an electrifying fusion of visuals, music and performance.
The show in incredibly interactive for the audience. Leith Arches was lit up like a grungy nightclub with an intricate play of lights and thumping of music. I felt totally immersed in the atmosphere as the actors used the entire space to tell us their story. Nathan Scott Dunn is great at portraying 20-year old something life in Scotland. The boys characters are so fun and we all have either known people like them or been them ourselves. Nathan’s humor is very fast paced and energetic. The circumstances surrounding the pivotal moment (no spoilers) are so believable and relatable. We all go out and have good time and take it too far, and we’ve all heard the horror stories. The message Nathan and Saltire Sky are presenting about drug education rather the prevention is immensely important. I think this show is necessary to combat the culture and stigma we have around drugs in this country.
Matty (Calum Manchip), Dougie (Sandy Bain) & Tommy (Jonny Tulloch) have remarkable synergy. Their individual acting skills, and evident camaraderie have all the makings of a powerhouse ensemble. Their interactions feel authentic and organic, drawing audiences into their world with ease. Their ability to play off each other’s energy creates a seamless flow of emotions and dialogue, making their performances captivating. Whether they’re having a bit of banter or conveying intense emotions, their chemistry shines through. Some of the dialogue felt slightly rushed, which at times hindered our ability to fully engage. Despite this, the cast’s chemistry and camaraderie were evident, lending authenticity to their interactions.
For me, a stand out was Christie Russell-Brown who played both Matty and Dougie’s mothers, as well as extras for party scenes. Christie showcased a blend of high energy and emotional depth flawlessly. She embodied the frustrations and burdens mothers have brilliantly, particularly since these two mothers were so different. Christie’s acting demands attention and she draws us into her character’s story – I can’t wait to see more of her.
The lighting design was amazing, creating an immersive atmosphere that transported the audience into an array of colours. To add to that, having a DJ upstairs was so refreshing and injected a different type of energy into the show. The music resonated through the space, setting the pace for the unfolding narrative – also, the DJ picked out some banging tunes. The music reflected the themes of the performance, often acting as a bridge between scenes and intensifying the emotional impact of pivotal moments.
Bits ‘N’ Pieces weaves together music, lights and drama into a narrative that transcends traditional boundaries. The visuals, pulsating music, and the actors’ talent creates an experience that is both visually stunning and emotionally evocative. The captivating group of actors bring a refreshing blend of chemistry, talent, and authenticity to the stage. Saltire Sky are a company to keep your eyes on!
Bits ‘N’ Pieces is playing at Leith Arches Aug 15-16, 18-23, 25-26. Get your tickets here : https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bits-n-pieces
Theatre Scotland 
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