Part of the beauty of the Fringe is that theatre companies get the opportunity to explore all sorts of interesting spaces. Some of these are completely gimmicky but occasionally a company gets a chance to properly use a space. One such example is Hard Graft Theatre staging their show, which is set in a charity shop, in a local Barnardo’s store.
As well as having the most elaborate set on the Fringe, Hard Graft have managed to put together a delightful wee story of an elderly couple debating what to do with a haul of swag they found amongst the donations. On one hand they could do the right thing and on the other they could really enjoy their retirement but which is the right choice?
Charity Begins At Home is a well-observed comedy piece with fantastic characterisation and equally remarkable delivery. The script is refreshingly simple and unassuming and is all the better for not trying to be something it’s not. Basically, Hard Graft have found an interesting, down-to-earth niche and filled it perfectly.
4/5
Richard Biggs
