The stage is set for a profound exploration of modern financial history as “Make It Happen” brings the tumultuous banking crisis to life. This compelling new theatrical production, a highlight of the Edinburgh International Festival, masterfully reconstructs the pivotal moments that reshaped global finance, transforming recent memory into a gripping dramatic narrative. Audiences are invited to observe the unfolding of events from a unique perspective, bridging the gap between fleeting recollections and the indelible record of history.
Edinburgh, a city steeped in financial innovation since the 18th century, serves as the poignant backdrop for this impactful play. Its New Town, a testament to earlier banking advancements that fostered order and prosperity, contrasts sharply with the contemporary financial upheaval. The narrative skillfully transports viewers to a time when Scotland’s capital buzzed with renewed confidence following the establishment of a new parliament, only for it to confront an unprecedented financial challenge.
Central to the drama is a stark reflection on our evolving relationship with money. The play subtly recalls the simple act of visiting a bank branch for cash, creating an uncomfortable parallel with our modern reliance on digital ledgers and invisible data centers. This shift underscores the rapid pace of technological integration into our financial lives, highlighting both convenience and a newfound vulnerability in the digital age.
The rise of RBS, depicted with formidable intensity, forms a significant arc within this powerful financial drama. The play vividly portrays the bank’s almost unstoppable ascent, painting a picture of corporate ambition that seemed to conquer all obstacles within the city, save for the enduring presence of John Lewis. This segment delves into the mindset of the bankers, captured through their boasts and their insular world, setting the stage for the dramatic events to follow.
A pivotal figure in the unfolding crisis, Fred Goodwin, makes his compelling appearance. Initially perceived as too uncharismatic for a dramatic lead, playwright James Graham meticulously researched his subject, an outsider to Edinburgh’s banking elite. Graham’s approach eschews traditional heroics, instead presenting Goodwin with a focused, almost unsettling intensity, where silences amplify his ruthlessness, provoking gasps from the audience.
The dynamic performance by Sandy Grierson as Fred Goodwin is particularly energized by his profound dialogues with the spectral presence of Adam Smith, brilliantly portrayed by Brian Cox. This intellectual sparring between historical economic thought and modern corporate strategy provides a unique lens through which to examine the moral and economic dimensions of the banking crisis. Their exchanges offer a fascinating interplay of past principles and present-day consequences, deepening the overall Scottish theatre experience.
While firmly rooted in the specific time and place of 1999 to 2008 Edinburgh, “Make It Happen” also draws compelling parallels to ancient Greek tragedy, highlighting themes of hubris and inevitable downfall. The narrative introduces a potent force of nemesis in the form of a retired schoolteacher, played by Ann Louise Ross, whose humble RBS shares and incisive questions at an annual general meeting become a powerful catalyst, holding the institution accountable.
Ultimately, the play serves as a crucial historical account, encapsulating the immense harm inflicted in a remarkably short period. This Adam Smith play is more than just entertainment; it’s an important story of an inflection point in our national narrative, urging audiences to reflect on the complexities of the banking crisis and its lasting impact on society and economy. It is a profound piece of Scottish theatre that resonates deeply with contemporary concerns.
