Economy of Thought

Assembly George Square

1^st to 26^th August (excl. 12^th and 19^th)

14.40pm

£8-£14

With the Global Financial Crisis still affecting many people’s daily lives, there is still a visible wedge between those who work in the public or voluntary sectors and the private financial sector. Many feel outrage at the fact that some financial workers seem to be unpunished for reckless behaviour, yet often little is known about the actual daily working life of investment professionals outside of those who work in the industry. “Economy of Thought”, by Patrick McFadden, takes a real-life event, (when City bankers were seen waving notes at G20 protesters), and imagines the reactions of four investment bankers as they try to cover up the disastrous consequences of their actions, when a protester ends up in hospital as a result of them dropping cash out of the window of their office floor.

This play avoids taking the obvious route of simply berating the bankers for having behaved outrageously, by adding depth to the character’s backgrounds, showing us their professional and emotional motivations. Although there are some who behave recklessly, others do try to maintain a moral conscience. The comedy highlights are actually mostly thanks to the two most dislikeable characters in the play, (Reece played by Jonny McPherson and Rich played by Oliver Stoney), which in turn makes you think about whether if in the same position would you actually act morally, or find the situation just as hilarious as they do. An amusing and enjoyable look at a topic which many have an opinion on, but few have attempted to put onto the stage. An exciting and upbeat performance. THREE STARS

 Reviewer – Antionette Thirgood