The Librarians: A Very Serious Comedy, now playing at Pleasance Courtyard in Edinburgh, delivers a sharp, affectionate satire of library life that earns four stars. The show combines rapid-fire farce with genuine warmth, creating a surprisingly moving tribute to the people who keep our public libraries alive.
A plot full of overdue drama
The story centres on a small team of librarians facing closure of their branch. As they battle budget cuts, a stubborn photocopier, and a mysterious book returned 47 years late, the play spins into increasingly chaotic territory. What begins as a gentle workplace comedy soon escalates into a heist-style caper involving a rare first edition and a rival library’s devious curator.
The ensemble cast shines, with standout performances from the duo playing the bickering senior librarians. Their comic timing is impeccable, and the script’s verbal wit is matched by physical comedy that keeps the audience laughing throughout.
More than just jokes
Beneath the laughter, the play makes a serious point about the value of libraries as community hubs. A quiet subplot about a lonely regular who finds solace in the reading room adds emotional depth, and the final scene, in which the librarians stage a defiant read-in, lands with unexpected poignancy.
The production’s clever use of the small Pleasance Courtyard space turns the stage into a convincingly cluttered library, complete with squeaky trolleys and a malfunctioning microfiche machine. The sound design, featuring the gentle thud of returned books and the occasional shush, immerses the audience in this beloved world.
A must-see for book lovers
The Librarians: A Very Serious Comedy is a rare gem that balances humour with heart. It celebrates the unsung heroes of our communities while delivering a thoroughly entertaining hour of theatre. For anyone who has ever loved a library, this show is an unmissable treat.
