Fringe review: HIVE, Mushmoss Collective & Speakerphone Productions - Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Photo credit: Olivia Morrison

Hive, written by Ariella Como Stoian, is a highly atmospheric play that investigates grief and displacement through its two main characters: a mother and her child, who are expertly, dynamically and sensitively performed by Elin Doyle and Emily Millwood.

Performances and imagery are carefully curated by director Susie Macdonald who does a good job of weaving the different artistic threads together into one world.

Lighting designer Will Hayman paints a stunningly fantastical world with the inventive and bold colour palettes used, which is even more impressive with the tight tech rehearsals given at Fringe festivals. The lighting is West End worthy.

Stoian’s writing is poetic and they have a good sense of rhythm for character’s dialogues and interactions. At times, however, the audience may be left unsure as to the exact plot of the piece, which we would say could be made much clearer in any future rewrites and development as it serves an interesting premise: a conservationist on a construction site trying to save the Hive.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Viv Williams

Hive plays at Assembly Roxy until 15 August at 4.35pm.