Macbeth, Gilded Balloon
Support truly
independent journalism
Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.
Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.
Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.
![Louise Thomas](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/louise-thomas.png)
Louise Thomas
Editor
Billed as a play, Sexing Alan Titchmarsh is really a long comedy skit, but, after a week of ostensibly serious offerings, this reviewer wouldn't dream of complaining. Richard Braine and Peter Doran's conceit is that the BBC gardening show is being broadcast from the home of Leith Gardeners' Club-chairwoman, Betty Mountshaft (Gilly Tompkins).
Betty has nursed a passion for Alan since their encounter at a railway station 25 years ago, when he removed a piece of grit from her eye, pausing only to play Rachmaninoff on the jukebox, "which I thought showed a sense of breeding''. Since then, however, Betty's romantic tastes are less conventional: a cache of letters has turned up in which she signs herself "Lady Lucifer''.
Tompkins and Braine (who plays a harassed BBC producer) nip offstage to return as other characters, such as the inspector who nicks a member of the audience on whom a pot of hemp has been, er, planted. This is flimsy stuff, but for some irresponsible camping, this is the ticket. Be careful not to block the club's back door, though. As Betty scolds the double-parkers, her rear entrance is very popular.
Venue 23 (0131-556 6550) to 27 Aug, 13.45(14.45)
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments