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★★★★
Britain’s most highly decorated spy of the Second World War, Odette Hallowes (MBE, Legion d’Honneur, George Cross), is the subject of Kimberly Denness-Thomas’ new play A Little Green Leaf. Brought to life by Canadian theatre company Leaf Collective at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, the show is based on the agent’s covert work with the Special Operations Executive, which ultimately led to her being subject to both Gestapo interrogation and a period of incarceration at Ravensbrück Concentration Camp. Featuring atmospheric visual design, strong performances and careful attention to the complexity of the subject matter, this historical production has such a promising future ahead.
Complex and courageous theatre
Two actors and one production assistant present this story, sharing multiple characters from either side of the war and commandeering some complex visual design. Kathleen O’Reilly plays Odette, Celine and Lise with such conviction and gumption and is commendably supported by Will Carr in the parts of Captain Edward Bonner and Others. It is always complex to take a multi-role approach with a fringe show and when you throw in the fact that this story navigates backwards and forwards between events of the period, it is a little challenging to keep up with the many people and events featured. A little more thought to the transitions and clarity of the character switching would take this piece to even greater heights.
Visual design
The company utilises striking lighting effects, creative shadow work and puppetry to showcase the darkness of the time and the amount of risk that Hallowes took daily. These effects also sensitively bring to life painful accounts of the concentration camps, through chilling and powerful symbolism. Of all of the productions that I have seen at Fringe in recent years, this company stands out for their attention to the overall atmosphere on stage. As an audience member, you really feel like you are transported to the horrifying locations of the time.
Impactful and poignant
Before Fringe, I wasn’t familiar with the wartime hero, but after watching A Little Green Leaf I have been inspired to go away and learn more about Hallowes’ resilience and the impact that she had during the Second World War. The visuals are also incredibly powerful and symbolic, making this a must-see of the 2026 Fringe. You can catch A Little Green Leaf at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall – Haldane Theatre (venue 53) until 15th August, with performances starting at 9:50. Then from 17th to 22nd August the show moves to Annexe at theSpace @ Symposium Hall (venue 43), with performances starting at 11:00. Tickets are available via the festival’s website.
*My ticket for A Little Green Leaf was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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