‘Emerald Diaries’, or Mrs Dooley’s Girls might be an alternative title, contains a heady mixture of dance, comedy a little song, and a fair bit of romance all in 60 minutes.
The ingredients are all of the highest order and if there is a criticism then it’s that the story leaps as high as some of the dancers.
A production with a few more original songs and more dialogue would make this a truly great night out.
The dancers (Siamsoir) are wonderful and being so close allows you to watch the flashing feet as they provide high intensity Irish dancing.
The story is that sailor Andrew has arrived in Leith with the purpose of meeting his text friend Mary. This involves attending an audition/rehearsal of the dance group under the direction of Aggie Dooley (Jacqueline Hannan), who could challenge Brendan O’Caroll for delivery of one-liners.
The romance between the lovesick Andrew (Juan Casado Y Barton), who plays the part to perfection, and the feisty Mary (Aileen Goldie), who feigns disinterest and is very good with put-downs, starts to develop, but that’s where the show could do with more flesh on the bones.
Having said that, the structure is there and in the context of the Fringe it's an hour very well spent.
Until 27 August (not Sundays 14 & 21)
Tickets £11 (£9) Family £36