Two's company!

Published 9 Jul 2010 09:30 0 Comments

A LOCAL theatre company is already causing controversy at the Edinburgh Festival - a month before it starts.

Amateur outfit Odd Productions have found themselves embroiled in a row with professional company Dreamshed Theatre after it transpired that both groups are performing the play 'Two.'

However, it's not the duplication of material causing the upset - but Odd's amateur status.

Dreamshed have complained to both the host venue and copyright company Samuel French that Odd have failed to display their amateur status on their show posters - despite appearing in a venue which only houses non-professional acts.

Kath Mansfield, founder of Odd, has been surprised by the situation given so many acts at the Fringe Festival are amateurs.

She told the Peeblesshire News: "I suppose we should feel flattered that Dreamshed feel so threatened by us.

"I know we have a great show with Two so decided to bring it to the Fringe, at considerable personal expense. I am amused, but also disappointed, to discover other companies are loathe to enter into the spirit of the Festival.

"As a local to Edinburgh, I appreciate the egalitarian concept behind the Fringe, and every year I see a range of shows, either amateur or professional, and do not differentiate between the two.

"Acting is skill plus heart. Keith and I have both in equal measure, but sadly cannot afford the luxury of simply waiting for professional work to turn up.

"Moreover, I know a host of really talented amateurs whom I'd love to act with - isn't it the case that Torvill and Dean were 'amateur' when they won the Olympics?"

Odd has now been forced to print 'amateur' stickers to place over their posters, an unusual sight in Edinburgh as so many of the acts performing at the festival are part-timers.

Kath claims Dreamshed has even threatened them with legal action if the they see any posters without the stickers.

Dreamshed Theatre told the Peeblesshire News: "The issue raised is entirely contractual and is not a personal attack on Odd Productions.

"Two is a fantastic play and we are happy that Jim Cartright's work is being made available to as wide an audience as possible."

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