Cal MacAninch in My Eyes Went Dark.
Photograph: Bronwen Sharp
1 My Eyes Went Dark
A hit at the Finborough in 2015, Matthew Wilkinson’s tight, powerful play is apparently based on a true story. It tells of architect Nikolai, whose wife and children are killed in a plane crash. He can’t accept that their deaths were caused by human error, and seeks retribution. A miniature Greek tragedy in which the victim becomes the perpetrator, this arrives at the Edinburgh festival with the original London cast of Cal MacAninch and Thusitha Jayasundera.
Traverse, Edinburgh, to 28 Aug
2 Every Brilliant Thing
If there was ever a play to get the heart singing, it’s Duncan Macmillan’s show inspired by depression. After his mother tries to kill herself, a young boy makes a list of all the things that make life worth living. As time goes on, it turns out to be a lifesaver. A small show that will put a gigantic smile on your face, this international hit from Paines Plough explores the difficulties of not always being able to make others happy.
Roundabout @ Summerhall, Edinburgh, to 28 Aug
3 1984
Robert Icke and Duncan Macmillan’s chilling and compelling reworking of Orwell’s dystopia is quite a show. Original in every way, including its use of design and sound, this richly rewarding adaptation casts us both as voyeur and potential victim as it recounts a doomed affair in a world where love is banned. The multimedia production also serves as a stark reminder that we give up our civil liberties at our peril.
4 Forest Fringe
A return for the artist-led initiative that changed the Edinburgh fringe model with a brilliantly curated programme that’s free to audiences. What’s more, it’s celebrating its 10th anniversary with a programme that looks both to the theatre-makers of the future and the hits of the past. Catch work from significant artists including Brian Lobel and Deborah Pearson, as well as shows you may have missed first time around.
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh, Sun to 20 Oct
5 Jesus Christ Superstar
Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s concept album-turned-rock opera gets a makeover in Timothy Sheader’s clever revival. There are unexpected subtleties in a staging that boasts a splendid cast and is full of character detail. Tyrone Huntley proves himself a performer to watch, Declan Bennett is genuinely moving as Jesus, and Drew McOnie delivers on the choreography front with movement that captures all the frenzy of fanaticism.
