EdFringe Review: An American Love Letter to Edinburgh

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There’s not too much I can say about Rick Conte’s ‘An American Love Letter to Edinburgh’ that the show description doesn’t cover. It’s an hour of the most amiable storytelling, juxtaposing Benjamin Franklin’s time in Edinburgh, with Rick’s own years in the city.

Rick is a splendid raconteur, warm, witty and just a little cheeky. He and Director Andy Cannon keep the production simple. Franklin’s autobiography upon a table signifies when Rick’s going further back in time, or the near past. It will be opened to certain chapters to reveal a relevant vignette from the American statesman’s life and closed when Rick wants to talk about Rick.

The entire show carries the mark of good judgment. Rick’s childhood tales in Georgia and his memorable composition, ‘In Indian Days’ is the pretext for Franklin’s time as a member of the British Military during the French-Indian war. To say there’s a contrast in tone is an understatement.

Similarly natural connections lead the audience through Rick and Franklin’s lives, following them to Edinburgh and more very different experiences. For Franklin, the city was thriving but smelly. The Scottish Enlightenment excited the mind, whilst the toilet bowls emptied from tenement windows every evening disturbed the senses.

Rick’s small characterisations of notable Edinburghers of the time is more cute than evocative, but his charm greases the narrative wheels at all times.

Rick arrives during the August festivals. Their feet will tread the same paths. A small cast of memorable characters will emerge in both their stories. Aside from being showmen, Franklin and Conte share one more thing: a deep love of the city of Edinburgh.

Fascinating, charming, funny and enlightening, ‘An American Love Letter to Edinburgh’ is a fine way to spend your lunch hour this Edinburgh Fringe.

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