It’s great to see that there is a bumper number of musical theatre shows to savour this year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Below, Musical Theatre Review’s Edinburgh Editor Fiona Orr offers her Top Ten Tips.
After This Plane Has Landed
theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall (4-26 August 2023 –not 13 – 15:55)
The real-life stories – beyond the headlines – of kidnapped journalist John McCarthy and his partner Jill Morrell, who campaigned for his release, is the subject of writer/composer Adrian Kimberlin’s latest musical. The couple made headlines in 1986 when British journalist John was kidnapped in war-torn Beirut and held hostage for five years. Frustrated by government inaction, Jill formed the campaign group ‘The Friends Of John McCarthy’. After This Plane Has Landed places sharp focus on the human elements of their situation – exploring events beyond a joyful reunion, under an intense media spotlight and with the fairy-tale expectations of an enthralled public.
Big Fish
Assembly Music Hall (4-27 August – alternating with Edges – 10:00)
Based on the celebrated novel by Daniel Wallace and the acclaimed film directed by Tim Burton, Big Fish tells the story of Edward Bloom, a travelling salesman who lives life to its fullest… and then some! Edward’s incredible, larger-than-life stories thrill everyone around him—most of all, his devoted wife. But their son is determined to find the truth behind his father’s epic tales. Big Fish’s music and lyrics are by Andrew Lippa, the composer, lyricist, singer, actor, conductor and producer whose credits include the Tony-nominated Broadway musical The Addams Family and music for Aaron Sorkin’s Broadway play The Farnsworth Invention. Presented by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
Birthmarked. Picture: Paul Blakemore
Birthmarked
Assembly Rooms (Ballroom), George Street (3-27 August – not 9, 14, 20 – 19:15)
A Jehovah’s Witness comes to terms with his sexuality in the autobiographical new gig theatre show Birthmarked, written, performed and composed by Brook Tate, and directed by Olivier Award winner Sally Cookson (Jane Eyre, A Monster Calls, National Theatre). The piece follows a young Witness on his journey from door-knocking on the street to finding his feet (and high heels) on the stage. In a faith that believes Armageddon is imminent, homosexuals will be destroyed and everyone believes in ‘The Truth’, a young Witness experiences turmoil and pain before discovering his own truth. This funny and moving semi-improvised show follows Brook as he finds the strength to take a leap into the unknown, and shines a light on what it means to be marked… at birth. Brook is supported live on stage by his five-person band who multirole as characters throughout the journey and incorporate original songs into this story of self-discovery and self-determination.
Four Felons and a Funeral
Pleasance Courtyard (2-27 August – not 8, 15, 22 – 13:45)
Goya Theatre Company was presented with a special Musical Theatre Review Award for their work on the Fringe in 2022. A vibrant, young and talented group, we are looking forward to see this new production. Ever thought of stealing someone’s ashes? Neither had Millie. Now she’s barrelling down the M6 in a Fiat Punto with three accomplices, 45 packets of crisps and a large decorative urn. Four Felons and a Funeral is about four dysfunctional friends on a road trip to scatter their mate’s ashes. En route, they go through the five essential stages of grief: screaming, shouting, fighting, fainting and fleeing from justice.
God Catcher
Underbelly, Bristo Sq, Ermintrude (2-28 August, 16:55)
Supported by the Canada Council for the Arts and the Arts Council Malta, God Catcher features the talent of 11 artists from across Canada, the UK, Malta and beyond. God Catcher reimagines the story of Arachne, the most talented weaver in all ancient Greece. According to the myth, Arachne defeats the goddess Athena in a weaving challenge, and is turned into a spider as punishment. But is that all there is to Arachne’s story? The gods can be cruel – and who benefits when a story is told a certain way? Through catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics, God Catcher explores the legacy of a woman who dared to tell the truth, no matter the cost.
Jingle Street
Gilded Patter Hoose, Big Yin (2-27 – not 14, 21 – 16:15)
A welcome return to Joe Venable with his new company, Chordstruck. Winner of the Musical Theatre Award for Best Musical in 2021 for On Your Bike, Joe has teamed up with composer Georgia Rawlins, whose show Astrid was nominated for the Stiles and Drewe Prize 2021. Jingle Street follows a jaded ad executive who wakes up to find he can only speak in jingles. He meets a green campaigner who seems to be the antidote – except that she finds him a repugnant sell-out.
A Mirrored Monet
Emerald Theatre, Greenside, Nicolson Sq (17-19 August 14:00, 21-26 Aug 21:25)
Based on letters, articles, and diaries of Monet and artists of the period, the play follows the artist through the memory of his former years and the relationship he had with his muse and first wife, Camille Doncieux. In this dramatic musical by composer/lyricist/dramatist Carmel Owen, the audience finds Monet in his Giverny artist’s studio working on what will become his greatest series of paintings. As the front line of the First World War advances, the artist escapes to his memories and we are transported through the cafés and salons of late 19th century Paris. Using music and digital projections of paintings of the era, the theatre will transform with each flashback, giving an impressionist view of France’s La Belle Époque or “Beautiful Period”.
Oscar at the Crown
Assembly George Square Gardens, Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete (2-27 August, 21.40)
Sequins, reality television, and the complete works of Oscar Wilde: not much else survives in a secret bunker far in the fascist future. OSCAR at The Crown is an immersive nightclub musical detailing the rise and fall of one of history’s most flamboyant characters, conceived by Neon Coven. It’s also about “The Real Housewives”. And about this minor character from the TV drama, The OC. And yes, it’s also about us: staring at our phones, wondering if our latest Instagram is going to flop and if the bombs have started flying yet. OSCAR at the Crown promises a blaze of passion, spectacle and heart-bursting catharsis.
Palindrome
theSpace @ Niddry Street (14-26 August, 16:40)
This is the latest offering from CUMTS (Cambridge University Musical Theatre Society), known for presenting promising and award-winning shows. This year’s offering is set in a rural Highland community, Glenelg, where the Post Office is at risk of closure. In an increasingly online world, the humble post office is upstaged by the world of commercial packaging and delivery corporations. When a huge new packaging and delivery warehouse springs up in the once peaceful village, what was the heart of the community risks being lost to the reality of a world that is moving forwards at a faster pace than the town can keep up with. Palindrome is a story of connection, communication, opening up and writing things down. When the world rushes forwards, sometimes we all need to take a step back.
SCOTS
Ghillie Dhu (14-27 Aug – not 17, 21 –13:00; 17:00 on 23 Aug only)
A Play, A Pie and A Pint, the famous Glaswegian theatrical phenomenon, bring the acclaimed musical SCOTS by Noisemaker as part of the Made in Scotland showcase. SCOTS is a hilarious and rousing musical journey that retells the history of Scotland through the perspective of its great invention and storyteller – The Toilet. With original songs and a talented ensemble, it playfully replays some of the nation’s most iconic (and forgotten) stories to answer the question: What Makes A Country? As at The Oran Mor in Glasgow, tickets include a drink and food – the original ‘Pie and a Pint’.
Follow Musical Theatre Review to keep up with the latest reviews, news and, of course, the nominees for our Best Musical Award on 19 August 2023.
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