Alice, Mindy And Friends
LIPA Graduates 08
The message repeated in this all-female revue was that joining "An All-Girl Band" is the solution to all the problems of the modern woman. The tune was catchy, but, like much of the material, its lyrics lacked the depth to make a real impact. Every stereotypical female experience you might expect was covered - first dates, friendships and that of the secretary who fantasises about trashy novels. There were some great comic scenes which stuck out amongst the more clichéd numbers, especially the teacher at a parent's evening who is annoyed by an overachieving child and the over-dramatic poetry readings from the 'For Women Only' collection. Ultimately the show was saved by the strong vocal performances which made the best of restrictive material.
Augustine's, 19 - 25 Aug, 9.50pm (10.40pm), £5.00 (£3.50), fpp 168
tw rating: 3/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
Showing posts with label musicals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label musicals. Show all posts
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
REVIEW: Musical Of Musicals - The Musical
Musical Of Musicals - The Musical
Throwaway
As the title not-so-subtly suggests, musical theatre is both subject matter and style for this creative and deftly executed production. The same basic plot was filtered through five musical styles, with four performers showing great versatility and consciousness of the show's purpose throughout. The writing is astute satire packed with specific references, but its niche is also its flaw - although it allowed the cast to demonstrate their ability, the material would only be consistently relevant and funny to the most knowledgeable musical theatre buff. The Andrew Lloyd Webber parody was predictably the most well received, while Jerry Herman seemed lost on most of the audience, and I'm not sure many appreciated the brilliance of the Sondheim send-up.
C too, 17 - 25 Aug, 6.10pm (7.30pm), prices vary, fpp 175
tw rating: 3/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
Throwaway
As the title not-so-subtly suggests, musical theatre is both subject matter and style for this creative and deftly executed production. The same basic plot was filtered through five musical styles, with four performers showing great versatility and consciousness of the show's purpose throughout. The writing is astute satire packed with specific references, but its niche is also its flaw - although it allowed the cast to demonstrate their ability, the material would only be consistently relevant and funny to the most knowledgeable musical theatre buff. The Andrew Lloyd Webber parody was predictably the most well received, while Jerry Herman seemed lost on most of the audience, and I'm not sure many appreciated the brilliance of the Sondheim send-up.
C too, 17 - 25 Aug, 6.10pm (7.30pm), prices vary, fpp 175
tw rating: 3/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
REVIEW: Faeries
Faeries
SL Productions
This rarely-adapted tale of two little girls from Yorkshire who caused a stir with photographs of faeries taken in their back garden is an ideal vehicle for musical theatre, so much so that I couldn't believe it hadn't been done before. This was a full-scale production with good orchestration and costuming, and the well-choreographed faeries in their shimmering rags gave some enchanting tinkling moments which defined the production. The storyline had everything going for it but was let down a little by intonation difficulties and the libretto which was a bit hit and miss. This should be a success with younger audiences though, as it accesses a realm of childhood wonder which we all wish we could return to.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 31 Jul - 10 Aug, 11.45am (1.00pm), prices vary, fpp 170
tw rating: 3/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
SL Productions
This rarely-adapted tale of two little girls from Yorkshire who caused a stir with photographs of faeries taken in their back garden is an ideal vehicle for musical theatre, so much so that I couldn't believe it hadn't been done before. This was a full-scale production with good orchestration and costuming, and the well-choreographed faeries in their shimmering rags gave some enchanting tinkling moments which defined the production. The storyline had everything going for it but was let down a little by intonation difficulties and the libretto which was a bit hit and miss. This should be a success with younger audiences though, as it accesses a realm of childhood wonder which we all wish we could return to.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 31 Jul - 10 Aug, 11.45am (1.00pm), prices vary, fpp 170
tw rating: 3/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
REVIEW: Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
Showstopper! The Improvised Musical
The Sticking Place
Knowing that they had completed a record-breaking 50 hour improvisation, I expected a lot from these guys. I wasn't disappointed, in fact I was blown away by the sheer skill and ingenuity with which they turned out a complete musical based on the audience's suggestions. We ended up with a musical about apartheid set in a Norfolk village with an upcoming bell-ringing contest, containing numbers in styles as diverse as vaudeville, Sondheim and even reggae. The real joy is not the cast's fabulous spontaneity, but that what they performed was actually good - superb vocals and dialogue that had the audience roaring with laughter. Go and see it - I can't predict what show you'll see, but it will be excellent.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 8 - 24 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp 178
tw rating: 5/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
The Sticking Place
Knowing that they had completed a record-breaking 50 hour improvisation, I expected a lot from these guys. I wasn't disappointed, in fact I was blown away by the sheer skill and ingenuity with which they turned out a complete musical based on the audience's suggestions. We ended up with a musical about apartheid set in a Norfolk village with an upcoming bell-ringing contest, containing numbers in styles as diverse as vaudeville, Sondheim and even reggae. The real joy is not the cast's fabulous spontaneity, but that what they performed was actually good - superb vocals and dialogue that had the audience roaring with laughter. Go and see it - I can't predict what show you'll see, but it will be excellent.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 8 - 24 Aug, times vary, prices vary, fpp 178
tw rating: 5/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
Friday, 12 September 2008
REVIEW: Departure Lounge by Dougal Irvine
Departure Lounge by Dougal Irvine
West End International, Newpalm Productions and Andy Barnes Productions Present
This musical comedy has balls. Awaiting their A level results, four cheeky lads are stuck in the airport after their not-so-cultured holiday in Spain (Ryanair is awaiting a crucial delivery of single serving milk containers). Reminiscing over birds, booze and mingers, they consider more important issues such as why they use the word gay as an insult, and whatever happened on Thursday night. The whole package is there - love, laughs, awkward arm-punches and the token gay and geeky ones. Hilarious cockiness and banter aside, these boys really can sing, and with gorgeous harmonies, this dose of testosterone is musical theatre at its best and possibly most accessible - not camp, not flouncy, just good old fashioned Brits on tour.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 4 - 25 Aug, 9.00pm (10.15pm), prices vary, fpp 169
tw rating: 4/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
West End International, Newpalm Productions and Andy Barnes Productions Present
This musical comedy has balls. Awaiting their A level results, four cheeky lads are stuck in the airport after their not-so-cultured holiday in Spain (Ryanair is awaiting a crucial delivery of single serving milk containers). Reminiscing over birds, booze and mingers, they consider more important issues such as why they use the word gay as an insult, and whatever happened on Thursday night. The whole package is there - love, laughs, awkward arm-punches and the token gay and geeky ones. Hilarious cockiness and banter aside, these boys really can sing, and with gorgeous harmonies, this dose of testosterone is musical theatre at its best and possibly most accessible - not camp, not flouncy, just good old fashioned Brits on tour.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 4 - 25 Aug, 9.00pm (10.15pm), prices vary, fpp 169
tw rating: 4/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
Thursday, 11 September 2008
REVIEW: Sweet Charity
Sweet Charity
Northumbria University Musical Theatre Society
The well known but rarely well sung 'Big Spender' has to be performed with flawless timing and sex appeal to avoid being embarrassingly tacky. Unfortunately they didn't quite manage that in this production, which had constant tuning issues and backing music that was much too loud. Charity Valentine, pushover and constant loser in love, longs to escape her job as a dancehall hostess and make some big plans. The lead character was charming and comic but didn't have a voice to match, and the dancing standard was hugely varied. That, combined with the poorly constructed plot of the musical itself, which made you feel you'd wasted one and a half hours of your life, meant that this just wasn't a hit.
Bedlam Theatre, 31 Jul - 16 Aug (not 3, 10), 8.00pm (9.30pm), £5.00, fpp 176
tw rating: 1/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
Northumbria University Musical Theatre Society
The well known but rarely well sung 'Big Spender' has to be performed with flawless timing and sex appeal to avoid being embarrassingly tacky. Unfortunately they didn't quite manage that in this production, which had constant tuning issues and backing music that was much too loud. Charity Valentine, pushover and constant loser in love, longs to escape her job as a dancehall hostess and make some big plans. The lead character was charming and comic but didn't have a voice to match, and the dancing standard was hugely varied. That, combined with the poorly constructed plot of the musical itself, which made you feel you'd wasted one and a half hours of your life, meant that this just wasn't a hit.
Bedlam Theatre, 31 Jul - 16 Aug (not 3, 10), 8.00pm (9.30pm), £5.00, fpp 176
tw rating: 1/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
Wednesday, 10 September 2008
REVIEW: Greyfriars Twisted Tales
Greyfriars Twisted Tales
The Bridewell Theatre Company In Association With City Of The Dead Walking Tours Presents The Martians
The Martians have landed, and we should listen to what they have to say. Or rather sing, as this returning Edinburgh band and some helpers turn their talented hands to the grisly stories of the famous Greyfriars cemetery. It turns out that Bobby the dog had some dirty habits. Consistently funny and with quality song writing, this fast-paced madness was pure entertainment. With minimal props, two guitars and a keyboard, the cast proved themselves to be masters of storytelling in song. This is an anti-musical for the masses; religion and Hitler don't escape mention, and there's some ingenious borrowing from a certain 'Mary Poppins'. I cried with laughter. Twice. It's about time Nessie got her own song.
Musical Theatre @ George Square, 2 - 25 Aug (not 5, 11, 18), 7.30pm (8.30pm), prices vary, fpp 172
tw rating: 5/5
published: Aug-2008 for Three Weeks newspaper at the Edinburgh Festival
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