Mike Moran Productions, Italia n Caledonia, Valvona & Crolla, 21st August

Another unusual venue for my choice of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe.  The setting of the show, which is a storytelling, not a play, is the Valvona and Crolla delicatessen - an Edinburgh Institution. One of the co-writers is a direct descendent of the original founder, and this is a personal story of family successes and tragedies.

Italia n'Caledonia is story about the immigration of Italians - craftsmen, musicians, small businessmen - with dreams of a new life in Scotland just before the turn of the twentieth century.  Many started successful small businesses which reflected their Italian culture - ice-cream parlours, cafes, delicatessens and the like.  These migrant families thrived in many Scottish towns and villages.

But, in the 1940s the clouds of war brought tragedy.  Many Italians were labelled 'enemy aliens' and were interned or deported.  Tragedy struck when large numbers of those deported, including Alfonso Crolla, lost their lives on the Arandora Star which was torpedoed on the way back to Canada by a German U Boat.  It is said that almost every Italian family in Scotland lost a father or a brother.

A well told story - moving and funny, warm and sentimental, atmospheric.  The backdrop of the old 1930s holiday films and the accompanying songs and accordion music set the scene perfectly.  At just over an hour long it is suitable for family viewing and well suited to Village Hall production. 

Elaine Williams
Inverie Village Hall
Knoydart Arts Promotions