Review: In the Time of Dragons at The Edge Theatre is ‘outstanding and very relatable’

From the creator of Spinach comes Janine Waters’ seriously heartwarming, musical masterpiece, In the Time of Dragons.

In the Time of Dragons at the Edge Theatre

Sheelagh Bell (Megan Keaveny) is a singer at The Blue Angel.

Sheelagh has a husband – a no-good womaniser who acts as her ‘manager’ and snatches up her paychecks- and a voice that keeps the locals coming back night after night, however, Sheelagh’s dreams of taking her music career further, expanding far away from the small cabaret club in Salford.

Rupert Hill as Jack Morel

Jack Morel (Rupert Hill) is a failed band member turned music teacher at a secondary school.

The ‘love of his life’ has left him to travel with another man, his students hate him, and his only relief is a sip of Vodka when the kids aren’t watching.

He’d like to make something of himself with his music, but he just doesn’t have the motivation anymore.

One night, in a small flat in Salford, it’s 1965 and Sheelagh is getting ready for bed; it’s also 2024 and Jack is getting ready for bed. The rain is pouring, the wind is howling, and the dodgy wiring is reacting with the lightning.

Jack and Sheelagh merge

Through a series of flashes, beds spinning, and books slamming, both Jack and Sheelagh’s times merge, with each one appearing as a disembodied voice to the other.

Although the situation is a shock to them at first, the two soon warm to each other, feeling solace in the other’s ‘presence’.

With Jack gently nudging Sheelagh’s journey of self-discovery and her sexuality, and Sheelagh nurturing Jack’s confidence (whilst also trying to pry into the state of the future), the pair are a perfect demonstration of
the need for consolation, understanding, and a friend to chat with, no matter who, where, or when you are.

The outstanding Tom Guest and Hannah Nuttall

Tom Guest and Hannah Nuttall deliver an outstanding performance as they effortlessly adopt various roles, gaining laughs, and oozing relatability throughout.

A beautiful score

Simon and Alec Waters’ musical pieces are expertly performed, encompassing flair, passion, and talent, with hefty doses of laughter throughout, and the soundtrack delivers songs that you’ll want to add to your playlist- When You’re Queer, performed by Hannah Nuttall and Tom Guest seemed to be an audience favourite.

Looking for answers

In the Time of Dragons tells the story of two unhappy people looking for answers, 59 years apart, and their journey to find those answers through the help of one who came before and one who came after.

In the Time of Dragons is on at The Edge Theatre from February 19, 2024 – March 9, 2024.

You can get tickets by clicking here