The Gramophones Theatre Company@ The Scottish Storytelling Centre- 30th May

I have a soft spot for the Scottish Storytelling Centre. This might be because it showcases a performance art that is accessible to all ages and interests, yet retains a huge influence on contemporary experimental practice: both Rantin and The Riot of Spring (entries in the recent NTS Auteurs season) reveal this heritage. It might be because their cafe has a fresh atmosphere and good cakes. 

The SSC has a habit of putting on intriguing shows. Next up, The Gramophones Theatre Company with the tale of their "daring and unusual journey from one end of Great Britain to the other on as many different forms of transport as possible with only one pound per mile." The subsequent show at the 2012 Fringe End to End was a five star success...

Leaving aside the value of stars at the Fringe, the adventure of three women crossing the country at bargain rates is another example of how performance has long since abandoned the predictable "write a script, act a script" approach. The Gramophones are playful, witty and smart. If they begun on a whim, they soon found plenty to celebrate about the nation they were crossing.