Review: Madame George by Keir McAllister

A comedy about a psychic's own belief and the danger it brings

★★★
theatre review (edinburgh) | Read in About 1 minute
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Madame George
Photo by Andrew Perry
Published 11 Aug 2019

Madame George is a morbid and melancholic story about self delusion and obligation to one's family. Madame George herself lives in her late mother’s grotty flat. The annoying neighbour and her single remaining client Mr Doyle, is her only company. She fixates on contacting her late mother, the original Madame George.

She knows exactly how many days since she last spoke with her, festering in her flat as she waits. When Madame George finally receives a sign, via Antiques Roadshow, she is convinced it must be her mother reaching out.

The question isn't is Madame George psychic but does Madame George actually believe she is? Her power of self-belief and dilution are strong in equal measure. Will you be a slave to your duty to family? If so, it promises to be your undoing. The weight of obligation weighs heavily on all involved.

Writer Keir McAllister knows how to pull a crowd's heartstrings. His comedic talent and theatrical flair give his characters plenty of moments of levity. Yet this is at odds with a play, overall, in which clumsily written scenes distract from these such moments and stong performances. Despite its early promise, McAllister's play fails to leave a lasting impression.