Fringe review: THE BRIEF LIFE AND MYSTERIOUS DEATH OF BORIS III, KING OF BULGARIA - Edinburgh Festival Theatre

Photo credit: Murdo MacLeod

Bulgaria just told Hitler to f**k off, saving nearly 50,000 Jewish lives, but ending the life of the King. Meet the men who could have done more, the women who did the most and the reasons why the world forgot all about them.

Written by Sasha Wilson and Joseph Cullen (who both also appear), it's a gripping story, not just for the history fans, but for anyone who loves comedy or live folk tunes too. It's an informative lesson in forgotten real-life; we can't imagine why anyone would want to erase this from the history books!

The cast are musically and comically talented in equal measure. It is very much an ensemble piece with actors playing multiple roles throughout.

Laurence Boothman, Clare Fraenkel and David Leopold, alongside the aforementioned Wilson and Cullen, work impeccably well together creating the highs and lows of this storytelling.

The costumes by Helen Stewart, set design by Sorcha Corcoran and lighting by Will Alder complement each other well to create the perfect atmosphere and timepiece.

An entertaining piece of theatre that leaves your mind and soul enriched!

Historically poignant and hysterically funny.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

The Brief Life and Mysterious Death of Boris III, King of Bulgaria plays in the Queen Dome at Pleasance Dome at 5.20pm until 28 August.