Edinburgh Fringe Review: Daniel Kitson at the Traverse *****

The stage is almost bare, just a chair, and a table with a glass of water on, which reflects the subtly of Kitson’s latest theatre monologue. It tells the story of a man called Gregory, a very ordered man, writing suicide letters. However, it takes longer than he imagines, and he is surprised when he gets replies, and it is these replies that postpone his suicide for over 15 years. The letters between Gregory and the newspaper editor are hilarious, their constant battle of insults and wit, which develops into a long friendship, with a funny, and deeply touching end, involving Gregory reading an insulting eulogy at his funeral, with tears streaming down his face. The initial letter between Gregory and ‘the boy at the bus stop’ is heart-warmingly sad too, unlike the first letter to the bank clerk, which is very harsh, but what both have in common, is the relationships that they start. The enigma throughout the piece is the woman whom Gregory writes to most, but gets no replies. His letters to her seem most honest and intimate, and it is infinitely sad and intriguing as to why she hasn’t responded. They also play a pivotal role of the piece, explaining information outside of the letters written to the others. The show is about a mans death being prolonged by a new-found desire, or reason, to live, and Kitson’s revelation at the end is one greeted with great joy, but at the same time, leaves you wanting to know more, and wanting others to know, about Gregory. Kitson is a fantastically captivating storyteller, and the audience seem to hang from his every word. The ending can feel anti-climatic, frustrating and leaves lots of questions unanswered, but it is this which makes the story perfect. It is a beautifully human tale, and you have to give credit for Kitson for getting the audience so emotionally involved. It is ambiguous as to how much of the story is true, but it seems like the majority is made up, and because of this I left with a feeling that this creation is nothing short of genius.

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