The Hawke Papers[author-post-rating] (4/5 Stars)

The queue for this show snakes a fair way along the side of the pub where it’s being performed – one of Edinburgh’s cosier upstairs establishments that has a distinctly Victorian ambiance. The Hawke Papers begins with a dapper young man ushering audience members inside, explaining that his uncle has been murdered and that they must help unmask the perpetrator of the crime. In the atmospheric, oak-panelled surroundings this interactive show resonates with  Edinburgh’s dark medical history – think Burke and Hare, or Jekyll and Hyde.

What’s particularly impressive is the considerable dexterity required from the actors to make this kind of immersive theatre work. The cast have to negotiate the environs of a small pub and verbally cajole audience members in the right direction. In this case it really comes off. Interjections and interventions arrive just in time, moving the plot forwards and providing the audience with prompts that lead them to discover certain objects and bring them closer to the truth.

Strength of character, of which there’s plenty, is central to the show’s momentum. There are plenty of engaging stereotypes, from the well-spoken lawyer to the drunken old miser. The defensive policemen and the snarling old drunk are played with particular aplomb.

Although the denouement of the show is a bit flat – a risk of allowing the plot to evolve in response to audience reaction – the crowd of budding detectives is herded towards the final scene in a sophisticated fashion. This late morning show is a lot of fun, and the money flowing from audience members’ pockets supports the notion that the Free Fringe is the way to go.

The Hawke Papers is playing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival until 25th August. For more information and tickets, see the Edinburgh Fringe website.