Dr Quimpugh's Compendium of Peculiar Afflictions @ Summerhall

The audience is presented with the private quarters of Dr Quimpugh which also doubles up as his practice. Various interesting characters from the Doctor's past hauntingly return to present his life's work and the atypical nature of his patients.What makes the performance special is the live musical accompaniment of cello, violin and piano, which set the tone and lift the music to the heights of the drama which is unfolding on stage.

The characters that Dr Quimpugh encounters are as interesting and outrageous as his name. A woman who has no control of her hand finds herself in Dr Quimpugh’s care. This story has tragic consequences, which whole-heartedly captures the comedic tragedy of the chamber opera.

The performance reaches a climax when Dr Quimpugh questions his own ability as a doctor. Here he cannot find a cure for a man who appears to be dead, but is very much alive. The dramatic conclusion to Dr Quimpugh’s story is a brilliant and natural conclusion.

The journey of Dr Quimpugh is an enjoyable one and the performances of Natalie Raybould (soprano), Tasmin Dalley (mezzo-soprano) and Robert Gildon (baritone) are uplifting and masterful. Dr Quimpugh's Compendium of Peculiar Afflictions is at times tragic, at times comedic but always a fantastic and curious meditation into a deranged and interesting mind.