[title of show] Assembly Checkpoint, Edinburgh Fringe ✭✭✭✭
Good
things comes to those who wait and the UK has patiently waited for a production
of [title of show] since it took on
Broadway in 2008. In true British form you wait ages for something and then two
come along at once - the UK premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe and a London
production opening at the Landor theatre in London this week.
[title of show] caught the imagination of US theatre lovers, drama
students and musical theatre wannabes on its long road to Broadway and it's
fitting that it should launch itself into the UK spotlight at the world's biggest arts festival.
The
musical about two guys writing a musical about two guys writing a musical for a
festival (keep up!) is fast paced and positively bursting with obscure musical
theatre references. The slick cast ensure that 80 minutes flies by leaving the
audience giving a standing ovation and shouting for more.
The cast
have incredible chemistry and as the witty one-liners envelop the audience it’s easy to forget this is a show such is the authentic
portrayal of the characters. Ricky
Johnston (Hunter) and Robbie Towns (Jeff)
have a wonderful, infectious energy with a teasing edge that really brings
Hunter and Jeff's friendship to life. Johnston bounds about the stage with
Labrador puppy-esque enthusiasm contrasting Towns' softer, more reflective
Jeff.
Carley Stenson is a joy to watch as the acerbic Susan, a role that in the
wrong hands should easily come across as selfish but Stenson ensures there is
the right dose of realism and cynicism from Susan's years in an office job to keep the
piece grounded. Jamie Lee Pike's Heidi plays off Stenson's often
standoffish Susan brilliantly and gives a show-stopping performance of the
poignant A Way Back to Then.
[title of show] is an absolute must see for musical theatre lovers but this
superb cast makes it a truly unmissable show at the Fringe.
[title of show] is at the Assembly Checkpoint until 26th August. For tickets and more information visit www.edfringe.com
