Do Not Pass Go

Jordan & Skinner bring Do Not Pass Go to the Studio Theatre on Wednesday 21 October, with two more performances following on Thursday 22 October. It's a new touring show from the award-winning duo, created and performed by Melanie Jordan and directed by Caitlin Skinner.

The story is one you've probably heard of, though maybe not the full version. It's about Lizzie Magie, the feminist, economist and games designer who invented The Landlord's Game—the board game that eventually became Monopoly. Magie's original design came with two sets of rules: one that worked like the game we know, and another intended to challenge the evils of land monopoly and let players experience wealth distribution. That second set was taken by another gamemaker, Charles Darrow, who repurposed the game into the notorious Christmas Day wrecker we recognise today. He became the first millionaire games designer in history, while Magie's contribution was largely erased. From there, the show asks why women continue to be disadvantaged by economic systems.

Jordan & Skinner bring their irreverent style of physical theatre and comedy to the piece, which is built from clown, dance, British Sign Language and spoken English. It's the company's first production fully accessible to deaf audiences, with integrated BSL performed by a cast member throughout. Critics have described it as playful yet rage-inducing, slickly performed and a show that will change how you play Monopoly.

There are three performances in total: Wednesday 21 October at 7.30pm, followed by a post-show talk with the cast and creative team (this one is BSL interpreted), and Thursday 22 October at 2pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £18.00, and the Studio Theatre is at 22 Potterow, Edinburgh, EH8 9BL.