Fringe review: BONDING, Assembly George Square

Having seen The Spy Who Went Into Rehab in the morning, we were intrigued to follow up with Bonding, our third show at the Fringe based on the James Bond franchise.

Bonding, written by Cyril Blake, concerns Stephen, a Yorkshire lad who is obsessed with Bond films. But we quickly realise that this is just a frame to look at his own life and relationship with his Mother (who acts out roles as M to her young son) and his Father whom he shared the interest in the films with.

His mother died in 2012 and much of the narrative feels like childish memories from a broken home. When Judi Dench dies in Skyfall, it triggers both Stephen and his Father to cry .

The premise is regrettably thin, verging on a personal therapy session without real insight into the Bond franchise and leaves a sense of sadness and regret. We hope the next film lifts his spirit in the next stage of his life.

One star

Reviewed by: Nick Wayne

Bonding plays at Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 24 August, with further info here.