Buried by FirstByte Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall Review
Written by Liam Lambie for Theatre & Tonic
FirstByte Theatre's 'Buried' is a hidden gem at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Set in Burnley, both in the present and the near future, Buried follows a group of teenagers who traverse through time—arriving at pivotal moments where crucial decisions are made. Some of the young people flourish, but as the timelines begin to fracture, and both groups look toward their rapidly approaching futures, they are forced to ask, when did it all go wrong?
Performed by an outstanding ensemble of young performers, this sharply written piece is brought to life with impressive confidence and polish. The cast were all wonderful and all had their own moments to shine with particularly strong performances from Connor Harrison as Toby, Kitty Levi as Levia, and Will Humphries as Decker.
From the moment the lights come up, the production commands attention. The clever direction, from Henry Blackburn, makes full use of the intimate space, crafting a claustrophobic atmosphere that suits the subject matter perfectly. Scene transitions are seamless, with inventive use of lighting and sound underscoring tension and driving the momentum forward.
The ensemble is uniformly strong, each performer fully inhabiting their role while contributing to a cohesive and balanced whole. There’s a tangible sense of trust and collaboration on stage that elevates the production throughout.
FirstByte Theatre has unearthed something special with Buried. It’s smart, unsettling, and deeply human—an assured piece of theatre that showcases a company of young artists who clearly have bright futures ahead of them.
Buried is a bold and affecting piece of theatre that pulses with urgency and heart. With clever direction, striking ensemble work, and a fearless exploration of a fractured future, FirstByte Theatre gives a powerful platform to voices we all need to hear more of. This is not just a promising company—it’s one to watch.
Buried was part of the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe Programme 2025
★ ★ ★ ★
