A Parallel Across Centuries: Vincent Van Gogh: Between Worlds Review | Zoe Sievwright

Image credit: Francesco Panasci

★★★★

Stepping into the theatre for Vincent Van Gogh: Between Worlds, the audience is immediately drawn into a concept that feels as brilliant as it is timely. The show draws a direct, striking parallel between Vincent van Gogh and a modern-day struggling man, laying bare the timeless tragedy of the creative journey. They are bound by the same relentless obsession: art is their first love, and they would choose it over and over again despite the crushing sacrifices required. A sentiment from the show that really struck me is Van Gogh stating he would quite happily be locked up in an institution if it meant he was allowed to paint every day. It perfectly captures that raw truth for so many creators, that art is in their blood, demanding everything from them regardless of the cost. The performance beautifully captures the quiet devastation of sacrificing wealth, stability, and family ties in pursuit of that passion, with both men carrying the heavy weight of disappointing their fathers. Connecting Van Gogh's historic anguish to a contemporary struggling man gives the story a fresh, deeply human resonance that makes you reflect on how little the world’s treatment of artists has changed.

The emotional heart of the show hits hard, and so much of that comes down to the attention to detail. The performances are remarkable. The actors step into these roles with an raw, honest intensity that makes every quiet moment of frustration feel real. Visually, the production pulls you right in. The costume design uses clever contrast, putting the heavy, paint-stained fabrics of the 19th century right alongside the muted, everyday clothes of the modern artist. This flows into the set design, where warm lighting and authentic historical props turn the stage into a living canvas. It creates a space where past and present feel like they are bleeding into one another, making the emotional stakes feel immediate rather than distant.

I do wish the show contained more of the modern man’s story. The parallel between the two eras is such a strong narrative engine, yet I found myself wishing we had gotten to spend more time living in his shoes. Seeing more of his personal backstory and daily grind would have given his journey equal weight alongside Van Gogh's iconic legacy. Had his side of the story been allowed a little more room to breathe, the contrast between past and present would have landed an even harder emotional punch, forcing the audience to truly confront how we value living creators today.

Even so, Vincent Van Gogh: Between Worlds remains a deeply moving and immensely compelling piece of theatre. It handles heavy themes of passion, sacrifice, and familial expectation with genuine soul, delivering a powerful reminder of the true price of devotion to one's craft.

Vincent Van Gogh: Between Worlds is a wonderfully thoughtful piece of theatre that leaves a lasting impression. With its captivating premise, rich atmospheric detail, and deep emotional honesty, it offers a fascinating look at the burdens of creation that will undoubtedly resonate with anyone who has ever chased a dream.

Vincent Van Gogh: Between Worlds will be performed at Underground at Assembly George Square Gardens until 30 August as part of Edinburgh Fringe.

By Zoe Sievwright