Joanna Pinto's Pebbles on the Beach begins with our main character, Leo telling us that today he is going to be "someone different". What follows is a surreal and beautiful journey into his past. Michael Armstrong (Leo) gives a gentle and charming portrayal of a man trying to understand where he went wrong. We learn that he left home at 17 years old to the distress of his father (the wonderfully strong Ian Draper) and moved to Brighton. There he embarked upon a life of a womanising accountant. Unhappy with relationships and his job he struggles to understand true intimacy that shows up in the face of roving backpacker, Suzannah (Jenny Rowe). As the story unfolds, a delicate tale of family love and tragic pasts builds itself around the four excellent actors - Annabel Cleare playing Maggie.
The characters weave between past and present with wonderful simplicity, allowing the relationships and the poetic text to be the focus of our attention. A low sound track of Brighton beach and sea-gulls entrances us and draws us into Leo's world. Gorgeously lit by Dan Staniforth, the stage basks in an early evening glow that warms us and whispers to us in it's haze.
Pebbles on the Beach is not risky drama. It doesn't push boundaries or have anything massive to say about life and love. But like a lover, gently prods you to address questions that at some time or other have haunted us all. Are we happy with our past? How do we choose to remember that which has hurt us? How much power do our memories hold over us and if you put your mind to it, can you just forget?
For a lunchtime piece of theatre (14.00) it leaves you satisfied and ready for the afternoon. Lovingly written, well directed with strong acting all round, it is definately worth seeing.
To book tickets for another fabulous lunchtime piece of theatre go to the Involution booking pages at:-
http://www.pleasance.co.uk/edinburgh/listings/search/Involution
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