Joseph Morpurgo's Highlander 70 Review

Joseph Morpurgo's one-man comic play, "Highlander 70," has premiered at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh, marking his return to the fringe after a nine-year absence. The show, which runs until August 30, is characterized by its breakneck speed and incorporates dance numbers reminiscent of "West Side Story," making it a highly entertaining theatrical experience. Morpurgo, known for his high-concept comedy shows that often feature thrift-shop sourced material and multimedia presentations, continues this approach with "Highlander 70." The entire play is constructed around an American high-school yearbook that is half a century old. Morpurgo utilizes the text and the predominantly innocent black-and-white photographs from this yearbook to construct a fast-paced narrative centered on dorky protagonist David Moon's final day of high school. The plot follows David as he navigates the typical events of a last school day, including assembly, the major school game, and graduation, all while anticipating his freedom. The central conflict arises from David's quest to retrieve his missing diary, which reportedly contains embarrassing confessions of his crush on a schoolmate named Beth. His efforts are complicated by several obstacles within the school environment. These include the stern and authoritarian principal, the school bully Roscoe Peltz and his group of unconvincing tough guys, and a dance hall filled with adolescents who are described as dangerously intoxicated. Morpurgo himself portrays the character of David Moon, with his face painted grey to better emulate the monochrome aesthetic of the original yearbook photographs. The play's setting at the Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh places it within the vibrant context of the Edinburgh Festival, a renowned international arts festival. Morpurgo's previous works, such as "Hammerhead," also received critical attention on the fringe, establishing his reputation for innovative and engaging comedic theatre. The return of "Highlander 70" suggests a continuation of his distinctive style, blending narrative storytelling with visual and performance elements derived from unconventional source materials. The play's focus on adolescent anxieties and social dynamics, filtered through a nostalgic lens of a 1970s high school yearbook, offers a unique comedic perspective on universal themes of growing up and navigating social hierarchies. The performance's energetic pacing and incorporation of musical and dance elements aim to create an immersive and dynamic experience for the audience, further enhancing the comedic impact of David Moon's misadventures on his last day of school.