Having seen Tartan Tabletop’s fantastic live D&D show of the same name at last year’s Fringe, I couldn’t wait to see their debut play Amadan & Mortair Kill The King.
When two loyal guardsmen accidentally kill their king, they must scramble to set things right. This play is a rollercoaster hour of non-stop gags, demonic jesters and crab rangoon. Will our heroes make it out alive!? Probably not.
Alex Bathe plays the conniving, too-smart-for-his-own-good Mortair. Bathe’s portrayal of self-importance is a lovely contrast to his sidekick Amadan. He truly understands Mortair and his motives, making the audience understand where he’s coming from. Taking on a brutal on-stage punishment as voted for by the audience, Bathe is a great sport and fully commits himself to the wacky weirdness of the show.
Niall Curran is Amadan. Curran’s naïve, simple and gentle idea of Amadan is lovely to watch. He and Bathe bounce off each other excellently. The audience is immediately drawn to Amadan and want him to escape his predicament. Curran has fantastic vocal control, using his voice flawlessly throughout. Whether that’s a shaky, nervous squeak or serenading the whole space with like a crooner while singing, the talent on display is awesome.
Abi Price is the insane, pompous and oblivious King. Price’s unbelievable stage presence, unmoveable confidence and command of dialogue is a stand out. With some tongue-twister lines to deliver that may sound odd utter by almost anyone else, Price delivers them with ease and makes them not just land but stay with you. Her excellent physical comedy and OTT style performance contrasts excellently with Mortair. Price brings the needed large-scale performance for a king and leaves tears running down the face with how funny her performance is.
Tom Whiston is Olc. He has the difficult task of playing the show’s narrator while also filling in various small roles here and there. Whiston sings as the show’s narrating, bouncy Court Jester, addressing the audience directly with an ease that is disarming. Whiston brings moments of needed respite from all the chaos but somehow manages to cause his own fair share, fitting right in even if his character is slightly separate from the rest.
The writing from Alex Bathe & Josh Aitken here is stellar. The play has a simple premise and almost nothing happens, but that’s utterly irrelevant, for the dialogue is sharp and indulgent, the self-aware stance taken through the storytelling is refreshing and completely at home in the Fringe. Direction from Alex Bathe (again) & Becca Donley is so strong here. The piece moves incredibly freely, and knows exactly what it is. The idea of utilising the audience in the way they do is inspired, creating one of the funniest moments I’ve ever seen at the Fringe. Nuala Dunbar does a great job with the Costume Design for the King. The robe Price wears is excellent and grand, only adding to the righteous feel of the character, surely inspiring and informing Price’s delightful performance.
The self-assuredness on display for Tartan Tabletop’s first outing is astounding. This play is a treat. Side-splittingly funny and exactly what you want it to be plus more, this show is a must see at this year’s Fringe. Playing at the Gilded Balloon Patter House, get along and see this massively entertaining show.
Amadan and Mortair Kill the King | Edinburgh Festival Fringe
Theatre Scotland 
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