Director, performer and radio presenter Tim McArthur gives his view on some of the musicals showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013.
Jule Madly Deeply at the Gilded Balloon Teviot
Julie Madly Deeply continues at the Gilded Balloon Teviot until 26 August.
If we’re all honest we all have a secret crush on Julie Andrews, she has been a part of our lives and influenced us probably without us even realising. Sarah-Louise Young and Michael Roulston have created a beautiful homage to Dame Julie. Let’s get one thing clear, Young is not impersonating Andrews, but she shares her love and admiration for one of our best actresses with the audience. Her performance is full of heart, her voice lyrical and her passion is overwhelming. The direction by Russell Lucas is sophisticated and at times inspired. Roulston and Young’s banter is at times hilarious. This is a real gem on the Edinburgh Fringe and definitely a favourite thing to warm your heart on a cloudy day. After the festival, the show continues to tour the UK until 2 November.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/julie-madly-deeply
Tamar Broadbent: Almost Epic continues at the Underbelly Cowgate until 25 August.
No one can question the many talents of Tamar Broadbent. She has a voice to die for, plays the piano with ease and has the energy to fill a football stadium. However, with this cabaret show/come musical I was unsure as to what I was actually watching. Almost Epic is loosely based on Broadbent trying to get the attention of a American producer via a Skype audition. The show at times lacks focus, clarity and the use of audience participation adds to this confusion. Also at times it feels like Broadbent is restricted to the script when there is a bundle of joy and fun waiting to get out. However, the performer’s original songs are witty and engaging. With a bit of reconstruction, this cabaret show could gain the acclaim it deserves.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/tamar-broadbent-almost-epic
This Life Chose Me: A Ninja Musical was performed at theSpace on North Bridge.
This little quirky musical has huge potential. I have never been a fan of Ninjas but this show was a little cracker in the making, with some witty lyrics and tuneful melodies. We followed the headteacher of the Ninja school as she taught us some basic training and guided us through the attitudes and way of life of a Ninja. Some audience interaction occurred just as the energy seemed to dip, my Ninja name was Naughty Black Orchid. With a little rejigging here and there, looking at the structure, and maybe a recast, this show deserves to gain cult status.
Sincerely, Mr Toad continues at the Pleasance Dome until 26 August.
The Wind in the Willows is a legendary children’s story, full of enchantment and warmth. However, what a disappointment this musical is. The show is not actually about the characters from Wind in the Willows, instead we follow the story of Kenneth Grahame’s life and the creation of his famous book. The piece presents some dark moments, but they never really deliver and at times the direction is unclear. The lyrics are bland, the musical style changes throughout the piece, and it feels at times as though the songs belong in a different musical. A huge disadvantage are the horrible backing tracks that accompany the performers. The only advantage of this piece of theatre is the strong ensemble, Adam Venus, Sarah Borges and Jamie Jukes all give standout performances, and the rest of the cast all perform with energy and commitment in a rather lucklustre, uninspired musical.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/musicals-and-operas/sincerely-mr-toad-starring-keith-jack
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