Written and directed by Charlaina Thompson
Performed by Craig McCardle
The premise of Dust is both haunting and compelling. Set in England during lockdown at 2:20am, the story follows a man desperately trying to make it home. Through a morphine-fuelled delirium, audiences are taken on a journey through the defining chapters of his life as a boxer, a soldier and a miner. Inspired by a true story, Dust pays tribute to the servicemen who fought for their country, the seven men who tragically lost their lives in the 1973 Lofthouse Colliery disaster, and the countless miners who spent their lives working in darkness so the rest of us could live in the light. It is a story infused with Northern grit, humour and heart.
A production where a single actor takes on fifteen different characters can sometimes leave me feeling apprehensive. It is a difficult balancing act and, in lesser hands, it can become confusing, with characters blending into one another and the audience struggling to keep up with the narrative.
Thankfully, Dust is the complete opposite.
Craig McCardle delivers a remarkable performance, effortlessly shifting between each character with clarity and conviction. Every individual feels distinct, not only through subtle physical changes and vocal delivery, but through genuine emotional depth. At no point did I lose track of who was speaking or where the story was heading. Instead, I found myself completely immersed in the journey.
The production is supported by intelligent technical design. The lighting is used with precision, helping to define changes in time, place and character without ever feeling intrusive. It quietly guides the audience through the narrative, complementing Craig’s performance rather than distracting from it.
One thing that also caught my attention was the technical team. It is unusual at the Edinburgh Fringe to see two technicians operating a solo production, but it was easy to appreciate why. Every cue felt carefully timed, creating a polished and seamless theatrical experience that elevated the storytelling.
What makes Dust particularly memorable is its balance of humour and poignancy. Just when the story threatens to become overwhelmingly emotional, moments of Northern wit and warmth provide welcome relief. It is this blend that keeps the audience emotionally invested throughout. I found myself genuinely wanting to know what would happen next, which is always the sign of effective storytelling.
Having won Best Original Play at the Adelaide Fringe, Dust arrives in Edinburgh with an impressive reputation, and it is one that feels fully deserved. Judging by the audience’s reaction, I certainly wasn’t the only person captivated by what unfolded on stage.
If I had one small observation, it would be that I would have welcomed a little more narrative surrounding the Lofthouse Colliery disaster itself. Given the significance of the event to the production, I felt there was perhaps an opportunity to explore it in slightly greater depth. However, this is only a minor point in what is otherwise an outstanding piece of theatre.
Dust is an absorbing, emotionally rich production that demonstrates exactly what can be achieved through exceptional writing, thoughtful direction and a commanding solo performance. If you are still wondering whether to book a ticket, stop dithering. The answer is simple: yes, you should.
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dust
★★★★★
“A powerful and beautifully performed piece of theatre that proves one actor can create an entire world.”
As Dust has received a five-star review from Theatre Village, it also becomes an official nominee for The Satchel of Stars Award.
About the Author
Fantastic and very
Moving as I was working underground at The Lofthouse Disaster
On the Night. Proud to meet you and Good luck 👍.
Tony, it is an honour to know you and meeting you was incredibly special. We hope we have made you and the miners proud. You are always with us.