Billed as a “clownish mystery play” Jonah Non Grata by Simon Kane (Ghosts, John Finnemore’s Souvenir Programme, Phantom Peak) is a cult hit originally staged in 2004 now resurrected for a new onslaught of unsuspecting audiences, updated to reflect ails of today including isolation, extremism and identity. This is its first go at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Jonah Non Grata is a wild choose-your-own-adventure that loosely satirises religious stories and traditions; it’s a crucible of energy and abstraction with a surprising dose of powerful singing.
Through the different scenes set up by wacky, wacky Kane, there are allusions to bible verses, congregational hymns and biblical stories including the Nazareth birth and Jonah and the whale. The show is, yes, funny; it’s absolutely mad; but it has a startling poignancy. Perhaps it’s the sheer conviction of this writer and performer, perhaps it is the playfulness and nonsense of this creation, but Kane wins over an otherwise cheerfully baffled audience with all the assuredness and mayhem of Gene Wilder in the Willy Wonka chocolate river scene.
The audience left dizzy, happy and connected having experienced something very strange together, something to think on and share when someone inevitably asks, “What did you see at the festival?” Don’t miss the chance to see something devout immersive and interactive theatre lovers have lauded for many years; it’s the fringiest thing at the Fringe.
Jonah Non Grata
Front Room at Assembly Rooms
Until 24 August
Age Guidance 12+