*****

Before going to see 'The Worlds Wife' I was not aware of the writings of Carol Ann Duffy but as I am a fan of Linda Marlowe's acting the show was placed on my Edinburgh Fringe Wish list. The intriguing description in the programme states that this is 'imagining famous men from history, from their wives' perspective. Going on to include Frau Freud to Queen Kong. I was intrigued indeed.

Don't be mistaken this is definitely not a poetry recital as Ms Marlowe becomes each wife with a simple change of voice, alteration of posture, the addition of a scarf or other piece of clothing. The utilisation of a projected backdrop assists in our understanding of which wife we are watching although this is unnecessary as the words and Ms Marlowe's superb performances make this perfectly clear in almost all cases. On entering the venue we are given an information sheet with a full glossary of characters in order of appearance, which for me became a superb aide memoir.

The chilling spine-tingling thing is I could clearly imagine each character uttering these words. Particularly poignant were, Herod's wife at the birth of her daughter when the birth of the King of the Jews was foretold. Delilah, Mrs Midas, Mrs Quasimodo and Mrs King Kong all have amazing little touches, truth be told so do all the others but these few I could have mentioned without the list.

This production works on so many levels, good writing, clever adaptation, skilful direction, genius utilisation of minimal props and an actress who excels at her art.

*****

The World's Wife

Company: -  Linda Marlowe Directed by Di Sherlock - Festival Highlights / Carol Ann Duffy

Venue: - Assembly Rooms  Supper Room   V3

Dates: -  6th  to  31st August 2009  not 12th  or  19th.

Times: -  13-50  to  15-00

Fringe Programme Page: -  p240   (F19)