The Players of Diadon | Drayton Arms Theatre

To create something playful yet also carrying meaning is no easy feat, but The Players of Diadon does it and does it well. A collaboration between Hideout Theatre and Stoke the Embers, it’s a one hour rollercoaster of laughter and thought provoking scenes that is landing at the Edinburgh Fringe this August.

Ellis Green has written an energised and slick script, if perhaps sometimes a little difficult to

follow, but such is the way when time restrictions are in place. The Drayton Arms Theatre could have the potential to feel crowded with such a dynamic cast, but there is clear direction orchestrated by Will Homer, flowing brilliantly and allowing moments to land.

Set in a far off kingdom, we learn of King Diadon who spends every evening watching his life story performed by a company of players, until one night he decides he wants something brand new, forcing them to scrabble together and over three days produce an entirely new idea.

Hideout Theatre was founded in 2021 by eight graduates of the Guildford School of Acting, a company focused on collaboration. Many companies say this as their main focus of course, but this ensemble was amongst the strongest I have seen in recent memory. To watch a plethora of actors so committed was joyous, every character was detailed and brought something necessary to the stage.

Some honourable mentions as there are many to name - Matt Wake shines as Calvin, the jovial, pompous player, think Jason Watkins in Nativity but funnier, complimenting Jessica Enemokwu’s wonderfully goofy yet elegant Camille. Toby Thompson and Chloe Cooper bring such hope and ease to the stage, grounding us in the narrative when we needed it post comedic scene. Overall the energy of this cast is infectious and it is clearly credited to their hard work in rehearsal forming these characters, it is no surprise this piece was first created during a scratch season at drama school as that sense of play and discovery doesn’t feel lost when watching.

The set works well with simple staging, a writer's table almost protruding into the audience is a nice touch. It is great to see that movement direction was involved in the process credited to Chloe Cooper, clearly demonstrated in the characterisation of this cast. The storytelling is completely enhanced by the use of music, a collaborative process between the whole cast I assume. There is always a good moment for a ukulele or guitar especially in the slapstick moments!

To put it bluntly, If you find yourself at the Edinburgh Fringe this year, you must go and see The Players of Diadon. It’s a comedic treat with a poignant message not to mention you won’t see a group of actors more committed than this, a timely reminder we should all just be a bit more silly.

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Tobi Ejirele