Published by METRO
3-25 August, 12.45pm (not 6, 13 & 20 Aug),
£14 (£10 concessions), 3-5 August previews £10, Northern Stage at St Stephen’s (V73), Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 558 3047. www.northernstage.co.uk
VIDEO: Best in the World — trailer
I’ll be honest with you – I’m no darts fan. It’s a game played by men who’ve spent far too much of their lives (and cash) in hygienically questionable watering holes that sell Scampi Fries, if you ask me. So why should I, and you, come to see this?
Well, Best in the World puts the art in darts. Inspired by the undeniable sporting achievements of Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, this intriguing piece of theatre takes audiences on a warm-hearted journey through how it feels to be at the very top of your game.
A largely improvised event that takes the form of a seminar on sports psychology, it features insights from world champions, and also, in part, tells the story of late Scottish darts legend Jocky Wilson.
There’s plenty of fun on offer here, too. Presented by Unfolding Theatre in association with Northern Stage, Best in the World gives audience members the chance to celebrate their own personal triumphs, and take part in a live darts tournament.
‘This is a real festival show,’ said Annie Rigby, director of Unfolding Theatre. ‘We’re based in Newcastle, so it’s great to be heading up the road to share this production – both with Scottish people and those who’ve travelled to the Fringe from around the world.’
‘While on tour, we’ve been keeping track of our audiences’ darts scores across the country. Washington Arts Centre in Sunderland is in the lead,’ she added.
So, in summary: you could be the best crowd this show has ever had, but, more importantly, this could be the best show you see at the Fringe – whether you’re the world’s biggest darts fan or not.
