Three gay men are trapped forever in a theatre where their only solace is performing The Three Sisters. Preposterous, perhaps, but oddly affecting. Oh, and it is a musical, too.
This Huis Clos crossed with Chekhov is certainly not to mainstream taste - it is too original and absurd, and much too gay, although seldom camp. Nick Salamone's music is clever and lush, but what makes this compelling is the way in which it captures and magnifies the extraordinary yearning quality of Chekhov's original and puts its faith in the healing power of art.
Done badly, this play would be toe-curlingly embarrassing, but the performances have a stiletto precision. Clay Storseth captures all the buttoned-up repression of Jon who, like Chekhov's Olga, has resolved to be an old maid, and Joshua Wolf Coleman as Matt/Masha serves up the full pain of unrequited love. Nic Arnzen, though a little geriatric for the role, convincingly persuades you otherwise, as Luke, the young stud who learns that friendship is more sustaining than sex.
This show may reek of cult, but it is a discerning one, and its heart is big enough to embrace everyone who lives with the dull ache of an unfulfilled life.
Until August 26. Box office: 0131-667 2212.
