Pigeon Syndrome, theSpace @ Symposium Hall Review
Pigeon Syndrome by Benjamin Keizer revolves around a husband who indirectly impresses his wife after saving a pigeon that flew in their window, and the lengths he goes to get the same glory and reward that comes with it again and again.
The piece is reminiscent of late nineties/early noughties BBC comedies targeted towards the older audience. Think of One Foot in the Grave and Last of the Summer Wine, being able to easily carry the conversational beats whilst having the more unconventional plot line. You get a sense of relatability from the husband and wife, almost like their neighbours you catch a glimpse of whilst taking out the bin and can easily chat with.
There is a lovely chemistry between Dave Candy and Christine Cherry, sharing the grievances that couples seem to face of making sure the other still desires them and isn’t just settled and choosing second best. It also has to be said that Charlotte Ledger plays the collection of pigeons throughout the show with humorous irony, not knowing the part they play in the couple’s life.
Whilst the set is one of the strongest I have seen at the fringe so far this year, filling the stage without ever cluttering it, it only having issues when the script involves the floor, as further back audience members then miss out. Yet it provides a better idea of the characters’ lives up to this point, meaning the piece can focus more on the story than establishing everything.
The show does progress at a slower pace than most pieces at the fringe, but that’s what makes it stand out. Having that breathing room so nothing needs to be rushed is almost tranquil, something that is so rare during August in Edinburgh, whilst still being able to keep the audience in suspense of what is to come. Without ruining too much of the plot, it’s interesting how the piece develops from this almost slice of life to part sadistic, part heartwarming show, using the pigeon storyline to explore the physical desires the husband and wife feel towards each other.
Pigeon Syndrome seems like an Archers’ episode on the outside, but develops into a gentle comedy that explores how it can still be a struggle to verbally communicate feelings with a loved one, even after being together for years.
Pigeon Syndrome will play at theSpace @ Sumposium Hall until 22 August.
★ ★ ★ ★
Written by Kerry for Theatre and Tonic, August 2026.
