EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL: Make It Happen at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh*****

What a thrill it was to see that Titan of stage and screen Brian Cox performing in Scotland once again.

As the 18th century philosopher and economist Adam Smith’s somewhat playful ghost he was not on stage as much as I would have liked, but when he was it was plain to see why he is heralded as one of the country’s greatest actors.

His character’s role in this world premiere of James Graham’s latest play is a welcome antidote to the central role of Fred Goodwin and the monumental rise and fall of the Royal Bank of Scotland from 2000 to 2008.

Though the play is written as a satire, Goodwin’s greed and ruthlessness during his time as CEO of the RBS, which brought the world’s economy to its knees, cannot be glossed over with songs and exaggerated characters and Sandy Grierson’s magnificent performance left me chilled to the bone, and wanting more of Smith as he occasionally appears in a cloud of smoke to try and put Goodwin on the right path.

Cox’s performance is hilarious from the moment he steps on stage mouthing expletives best acquainted with his lauded role in the TV series Succession. To say more would spoil the impact, but expect the unexpected, with trainers and a baseball cap atop his wig thrown in for good measure. It’s a work of genius, ably supported by a cast which includes Andy Clark as former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Image: Marc Brenner

Make It Happen is at the Festival Theatre Edinburgh until August 9.

Tickets from £10

Running time 2 hrs 40 mins

eif.co.uk/events/make-it-happen