Traverse Theatre
Four stars
The cult of Bryony Kimmings has long provoked a serious fan base to rise up and champion her candid fusion of live art and autobiographical theatre. In other hands such a genre fluid description might make for the sort of indulgence that would cause audiences to either flee or else squirm in the face of such warts and all soul baring. As it is, Kimmings’ true life confessionals over the last decade or so have been funny, moving, painfully honest, and perhaps most importantly, beautifully crafted works of art.
Kimmings’ return to the live arena is no exception with her new show, in which she relates the story of how her former misadventures prompted her to move to the country. While this was ostensibly to get her head together as has been the way with mercurial entertainers such as her since time immemorial, what emerges from the move is an unexpected affinity with this new way of life. What comes next, however, provokes a very personal epiphany as Kimmings finds herself looking to the ancient ways of a Wicker Man style local council for guidance and comfort.
This is related by Kimmings with such matter of fact understatement that when her monologue lets slip the pivotal moment in her big adventure it comes as quite a shock. Even there, however, there is no attention seeking, only an in built pragmatism that focuses instinctively on survival. This comes, of course, in the creative action of her work and a desire to make something fantastical.
Kimmings’ own production, co-directed with Francesca Murray-Fuentes on Tom Rogers forest clearing set, is a work that may have begun through loss, but which evolves into a work of human healing and a profound act of love.
Kimmings is in good company. Like so much of this year's Traverse Fringe programme, Bog Witch is about women, women’s bodies and a quasi-spiritual root to what can happen to those bodies beyond their control. Here, as Kimmings puts herself out there, it becomes a beautiful redemption in an experience that allows her to mourn even as she embraces life, creating everyday magic as she goes.
Until 30 Aug, Various times.
The Herald, August 10, 2026
ends
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