Fringe review: THE QUALITY OF MERCY, Nailed Productions - Edinburgh Festival Fringe

From his cell in the dead of night, Dr Harold Shipman records a confessional tape, setting the record straight about his background and his actions as he prepares to end his life. Patiently making a noose, he reflects on the choices, compulsions and fascinations that earned him the nickname Dr Death, and a reputation as one of the most prolific serial killers in history.

Written and performed by Edwin Flay, himself a former patient and relative of one of Shipman's victims, and directed by Bernie C Byrnes, it is a well researched and analysed piece of drama.

Flay has the mannerisms and speech patterns perfectly matched and uses Shipman's blase attitude to make himself a noose, platting together his bed sheets as he discusses his crimes, as natural an action as if he was making himself a cup of tea whilst discussing the weather.

As Shipman recounts his story, behind him a screen begins to have names appear. These are the names of his 'known' victims. By the end of the piece, there are over 200 names. It is the most chilling thing to witness, particularly combined with the accounts we have just heard.

This is one of the best performances we have seen at the Fringe this year, and it is great to see that a serious true life piece can hold it's own against the comedy and musical pieces we usually associate with the festival. It truly deserves to be seen.

A fantastic piece of writing, performed impeccably by Flay. We want to see much more like this!

Incredible and chillingly brilliant.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

The Quality of Mercy: Concerning the Life and Crimes of Dr Harold Frederick Shipman plays in the Grand Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall at 5.35pm until 26 August.