Rating: ★★★
Venue: Ivy Studio at Greenside @ George Street, Edinburgh
1848. London’s surgical golden age. A parlour room. Cassandra Thwaite has misplaced her new husband, Adelaide Hall wants out of the countryside and Maud Flemming is pining to go back. Three women, the wives of eminent medical men, endure an excruciating afternoon tea as the table is set for calamity. Tense, darkly funny and true to life, Disciples of Anatomy champions Autistic-led theatre through its protagonist Maud, the first neurodivergent heroine in a period drama. Anatomy is a nasty business, and if the past won’t stay dead, you might as well dig it up again...
A great stepping stone towards canonically neurodivergent characters in mainstream scripts.
The clear highlight of this production was Sofia Genco-Billington's book - boasting a very strong writing style, with snappy, witty dialogue and narrative. The trio of actors handled this speedy pacing well, however it was evident that none of them had particularly extensive experience on stage prior.
Meaning to say, that while each performer was talented in their own right, it was very clear I was watching a play. I didn't feel particularly immersed, which I think may have helped with the stagnancy of the singular setting, but I did enjoy the storyline.
When the cast found each others’ wavelength, the energy was great - however this then remained fairly one note throughout the hour. Some further guidance, direction, and an underscore would have done the world of good for this piece!
You can book tickets to Disciples of Anatomy here.
Review by Katie
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