Director, performer and radio presenter Tim McArthur gives his view on more of the musicals showcased at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013.
Le Gateau Chocolat at the Underbelly
Le Gateau Chocolat – I Heart Chocolat continues at the Underbelly until 26 August.
It’s a delight to see Le Gateau Chocolat return to the Fringe this year. His rich, gorgeous singing voice and energetic personality is a delight to watch. His songs are chosen by a willing audience member who selects a chocolate and he then performs a song that relates to it – camp is not the word. The material is varied and performed with style and panache, his tribute to the movie version of Les Miserables is a real highlight as is the finale which leaves the audience feeling exhausted in a good way. He also selects various colourful costumes from his costume corner which adds another layer of high camp. Assisted by a fabulous three-piece band, Le Gateau Chocolat is full of warmth, style and fabulousness.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/music/le-gateau-chocolat-i-heart-chocolat
Smelly Feet continues at the Sweet Grassmarket until 25 August.
The story of a young boy trying to find a cure for his smelly feet gets off to a great start but then loses momentum as the performance progresses. The delivery of the dialogue, particularly from the male actors, is patronising to the children in the audience. Between scenes there are full blackouts with nothing happening which slows down the action and it seems to take forever while the scene changes are occurring. The highlight for me is the female performer who engages the audience at all times in both her varied characterisations (the Dentist is fun) and commitment. The songs are quite catchy but simple which do encourage the children to sing along and there is a strong moral message in most of the songs.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/dean-friedman-s-smelly-feet
The Just So Stories continues at the Pleasance Courtyard until 26 August.
Rudyard Kipling’s Just So Stories are always a joy to hear and Red Table Theatre Company does not fail to disappoint. The four-strong female ensemble narrates the stories with passion and truthfulness, using everyday objects found in the home. Using these props, simple but effective staging and the occasional song, the cast beautifully brings these wonderful animals to life. It kept me and the children of various ages engaged in the action. My particular favourite story was the reason why the elephant’s nose was so long, and long may this troupe continue.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/childrens-shows/just-so-stories-1
Briefs: The Second Coming continues at the Assembly George Square until 26 August.
This talented all-male burlesque, vaudeville troupe, high camp, fabulous group is back for a second year and The Second Coming! They combine stunning circus tricks with silly entertainment. The routines are well choreographed with hilarious staging and inspiring circus tricks. One of the highlights is the monkey with the dirty banana, the inspired Crufts dog-off showcase and a stunning finale involving a giant cocktail glass. If you want a night to be dazzled, high camp and pure entertainment, get down and see this ‘Burlesque with Balls’.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/cabaret/briefs-the-second-coming
The Tiger Lillies performed at the Underbelly.
This gypsy style cabaret trio is back full of wonderful interpretations of original songs, great tunes and marvellous, observational clever lyrics. The use of the double bass was a wonder and the voices were sublime. Dark, unique, full of bitterness, but also with a good level of sweetness thrown in to balance the programme.
The Princess and the Pea continues at theSpace at Surgeons Hall until 24 August.
The Princess and the Pea normally is a sweet simple fairy tale. However, with this production there is nothing magical. There is lots of over acting, dire direction and cringeworthy performances. In places the lyrics are fun and the tunes are quite catchy, but on the whole the children in the audience looked quite bored.
www.reddragonflyproductions.co.uk
(Title of Show) continues at Assembly Checkpoint until 26 August.
This American musical has already proved itself on the Great White Way and now in the UK we have two productions at the same time, one here in Edinburgh and one at the Landor Theatre in London. The story is centred around a composer and lyricist entering a new musical for a theatre festival. Real life collides as the story progresses and everything that is said and what happens physically become part of the musical. The score and lyrics are incredibly witty and imaginative. The four-strong cast all perform with zest and supply stunning vocals. This is a real treat for musical theatre lovers.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/musicals-and-operas/title-of-show
Snakes! The Musical continues at Just the Tonic at The Caves until 25 August.
What a silly musical this is! Based on Snakes On a Plane, the 2006 spoof horror movie, this musical performed by three actors is a joy from start to finish. The show kicks off with a speech from the director who is pitching the musical to us as though we are all backers for a West End production. The plot sticks close to the movie plot and two of the performers play all the parts with great versatility and focus. The lyrics are fun and the score catchy.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/musicals-and-operas/snakes-the-musical
35MM: A Musical Exhibition continues at the Bedlam Theatre until 24 August.
This contemporary musical by Ryan Scott Oliver is more a series of little musicals performed through individual songs. There is no story, as such. Each different story/song is supported by a series of images by acclaimed photographer Matthew Murphy. Some of the songs are stronger than others, and at times a little more clarity and variation would be beneficial. Along with this image, a prop is taken from two hanging wooden frames on either side of the stage and this is a nice detailed touch from the director Katie Peskin. The six performers are all strong and deliver the songs with subtlety.
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/musicals-and-operas/35mm-a-musical-exhibition
The Road to Qatar continues at C too until 26 August.
This musical is actually based on a true story, of a composer and lyricist, who are both gay and Jewish and are paid to go to Qatar to write a musical in six weeks. What follows is a hilarious insight into this bizarre creative process and all the obstacles these guys have to face. The direction by Kate Golledge is fast-paced and the action never slows. This is really an ensemble piece and there is not one weak performance. The two leads – Josh Rochford and James Robert-Moore – work well and their energy and fun help to drive the show. Lyrics are witty, imaginative and cleverly supported by a great score. This show deserves to be seen in London. Offended you might be, but not me!
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/musicals-and-operas/road-to-qatar
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