In considering the outstanding work presented both in person and online at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2021, the Musical Theatre Review panel has decided to make two separate awards this year.
The first is for the best show presented in live performance. The recipient of the award for Best Musical comes from a ‘stable’ of repeated excellence in the form. It is with greatest pleasure that we announce the award goes to:
On Your Bike, performed by Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society, presented at theSpace @ Surgeons Hall.
This show tackles current and significant social problems such as the gig economy, homelessness, poverty and manipulation from social media while still making the audience laugh.
Joe Venable (book and lyrics) and Ben James (music) have created a witty, fast-paced show coupled with a talented cast and deft direction (Molly Taylor). Both music and lyrics are catchy and well-crafted.
In her five-star review of the production, Musical Theatre Review’s Edinburgh Editor Fiona Orr said:
“Many older, more experienced writers would struggle to handle these issues and still keep an audience engaged and laughing whilst never belittling the plight of the characters. Venable and James are a writing partnership to watch out for.”
Several worthy productions were considered across the city and the panel would like to also give special mention to two ‘runner up’ productions:
Firstly, to Sweet F.A. performed by This Is My Story Productions at Tynecastle Stadium – this was a striking example of excellent ensemble work and made a strong impression on the panel.
Secondly, to 7 ½ Years performed by Mark Glentworth at Nicolson Square – a highly unusual biographical piece of musical theatre that is genuinely touching whilst avoiding being sentimental. Very strong musically and technically.
The much-missed Musical Theatre Review contributor Clare Ann Walters with Be More Chill composer Joe Iconis
In this rather extraordinary year, many international companies have been unable to travel to the UK and have made online offerings instead.
For Musical Theatre Review, there is added poignancy in acknowledging those who cannot be here, as one of the contributors to the awards since their inception, Clare Ann Walters, passed away suddenly in February of this year, following a short illness.
In her memory, The Clare Award is being made to the most outstanding online production. The panel unanimously decided on the recipient of The Clare Award:
Belfast presented by Nuworks Theatre: Made in Australia. This is a truly epic piece of theatre firmly placed in Belfast yet exploring many ages from the Titanic launch up to the far more recent ‘troubles’.
Centred on the Harland and Wolff Shipyards, the darkest themes are explored in what has come to be sectarianism in its everyday sense and trying to find the roots and how it is perpetuated up to the present day.
Brilliant ensemble work with the thrilling juxtaposition of a driving rock music soundtrack set against highly stylised ‘period’ designs for set and costumes, this show will have a broad appeal when it is finally allowed to tour. One not to miss.
The panel would also like to give special mention to:
“Do you Want What I Have Got?” A Craigslist Cantata presented by East Van to Edinburgh as part of the ZOO TV online programme. Clever and funny, this talented Canadian company has used online limitations as a strength, presenting a series of monologues based on personal ads.
Corona Cutie presented by Spotlight Musical Theatre and The Green Room from the USA – a witty satire on the ‘how tos’ of online dating. Sharp and with a broad range of musical genres (written by Lucy Geller), this could become a wonderful onstage production in the future.
Lisa Martland, Editor of Musical Theatre Review, said:
“It is important that the musical theatre form is encouraged at grassroot level and our awards continue to highlight excellence in the form.
“Congratulations to both winners and those meriting a special mention from the Edinburgh panel. We look forward to the future of musical theatre with great optimism.”
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