A Split Decision

When writing this play, comedian Keir McAllister apparently took inspiration from Marriage Counselling, a track by Scottish hip-hop group Stanley Odd. One wonders what it was about this particular piece of music that caught the writer's attention. Comparing the union between Scotland and England to a relationship that's long run its course is hardly an original idea within discourse surrounding the independence debate. In fact, it's statistically likely that at any given moment during the Fringe, at least one proficient but ultimately forgettable standup is performing a routine based on this notion.

Do not see A Split Decision if you're seeking a fresh perspective on the upcoming referendum, or are interested in gaining insight into British politics. Although his heart's in the right place, McAllister can offer us neither of these things. Instead, he focuses on articulating the mutual affection and discontent shared by both sides of the argument, his characters speaking in vague generalities.

Set in a therapist's office, a shabby man clad in a suit of clashing tartans and a much more composed woman sporting Tory blue argue bitterly over their future. Each feels the same way as the other. But while the man dreams of escaping his overbearing spouse and making a clean break for himself, she insists that both parties must remain together until the bitter end. Their verbal sparring, presented in awkward doggerel, isn't particularly witty, while the narrative amounts to nothing of substance. McAllister's writing shows a refreshing lack of bias, but there's very little of substance in this topical experiment.