Highway Diner *Works of Temporary Solace. (Page 155).
Drams – you may need one to warm you up before you set out.
Venue Assembly Rooms (Venue 3).
Address 54 George Street.
Reviewer Sophie Lloyd.

Highway Diner “rewrite the story of Edinburgh” by taking you on a journey through the “mean” streets of the city’s new town. It is a touching and abstract mixture of theatre, dance, music and live art exploring the realms of time, space and lost love.

Each provided with a bag of props, including a blind fold, audience members are led through the streets being stopped at intervals to watch a variety of scenes and movements being performed. Encouraged to observe all that is around them, reality merges with the theatrical – and it is up to the spectator to make of it what they will. The actors communicate using words, gestures and posters, which make poetic statements concerning the surroundings, the emotional and the effects of the passing of time. One of the most surreal moments is walking down Queen Street to very haunting music and seeing performers dance and move in the middle island of the busy main road. The moment is enhanced with posters attached to railings on the other side of the street with thought provoking messages such as “The road is a stage where everything is held”.

Although it drags on a little towards the end, it is a unique and beautiful performance giving audiences the opportunity to appreciate the sounds and sights of Edinburgh. It is something quite different and stimulating. But be prepared to walk and hope for an evening of good weather.
©Sophie Lloyd 16 August 2004 - Published on EdinburghGuide.com
Runs to 28 August daily at 22.00.
Company – Highway Diner.
Company Website   www.highwaydiner.org