'Help! I Think I'm a Nationalist': Show directed by Falmouth lecturer scores 5-star reviews
03 October 2023
Photo credit: Steve Tanner
A critically acclaimed show directed by senior lecturer Agnieszka Blonska and written and performed by Seamas Carey has completed its Edinburgh Fringe run at the Lyceum Theatre, with a clutch of 5 and 4-star reviews.
The controversial comedy production centres on themes of identity, second homes, xenophobia, (and bagpipes), teasing the audience with the question of whether closing borders and nationalism could be the answer to Cornwall's problems. It explores the line between local pride and what happens when it all goes too far.
Before setting off on its UK-wide autumn tour, the show has also received a special nod for both Seamas and Agnieszka from Gorsedh Kernow – an arts organisation in Cornwall – in recognition of their service to the county’s cultural heritage.
"It's been an exciting few months for the show,” says Agnieszka. “We completed a run at Edinburgh to wonderful feedback and reviews, and we're now getting set to begin an autumn tour which will take us to the Scottish Highlands & Islands, Devon, Somerset, Bristol Old Vic, and returning to Cornwall for two nights only."
The play has been running during a difficult financial crisis, which is affecting people's finances and sense of identity, which the play touches upon too. "It's important to tell these stories and to bring these experiences to the fore. We're excited to see this play develop and grow and find new audiences across the UK", Agnieszka added.
The production was co-produced by Seamas Carey as well as imPOSSIBLE Producing and All Edinburgh Theatre described the show is "a deceptively clever, well-crafted, and intriguing piece of comic theatre." In her review of the show, Lyn Gardner of The Stage said, "Carey's slyly clever show appears to be one thing – quite jolly, good-humoured, and entertainingly innocuous – and gradually turns into something far more explosive."
Photo credits: Steve Tanner
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