The Overcoat - Moving Parts / Theatre du Pif (page 97)
Drams (very good)
Venue Diverse Attractions (11)
Address Riddles Court, 322 Lawnmarket, 225 8961
Adapted from Gogol's short story of Russian social injustice, The Overcoat is a refreshingly warm play about a man trying to get out of the cold. Akaky Akakevich is a simple-minded clerk leading a very basic life. He has few needs, but chastised by his superior and the Russian winter, he must get a new coat. Around this framework Gogol wove a tale about the plight of the common man caught in an uncaring system, which Moving Parts have now transformed into an utterly charming play.

Inspite of it's theme, this is a humorous play. The company have translated the gentle humour of the story into some lovely playful pieces of physical theatre. Even the nightmare sequence makes you grin. With the bare minimum of props and set, they bring this story to life.

Moving Parts are based at WHALE community arts centre in Wester Hailes, one of the less picturesque outskirts of Edinburgh. They have been working together for several years now, and this is reflected in their smooth ensemble performance. Iain Bunt makes an excellent job of the central role, with good support from a versatile cast. It's inspiring to see that a local group with limited resources can nevertheless put on a first rate play.

Runs 7-11 Aug at 7:30pm (8:30). Tickets £6 (£4)
� Daniel Winterstein, 7th August 2001