The Scotsman

What Shadows

- Joyce Mcmillan

Some might argue that a return to the story of Enoch Powell, and the passions he aroused with his “rivers of blood” speech in Birmingham in 1968, is the last thing Britain needs in these divisive Brexit times. But Scottish playwright Chris Hannan and Birmingham Rep director Roxana Silbert believe that many of the issues of identity raised by Powell remain unresolved in British politics today; and Hannan’s latest play, first seen in Birmingham last November, seeks to confront Powell – brilliantl­y played by Scottish stage and screen star Ian Mcdiarmid – with ordinary voices from more recent times, in this controvers­ial and intriguing opening show of the Lyceum’s autumn season. Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh, until 23 September, 0131-248 4848

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom