Camelton – Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Picture: Stephen Cole

Camelton continues at Wine Bar at Gilded Balloon Teviot until 31 August 2026.

Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩

In 2005, award-winning musical lyricist and performer Stephen Cole was given six weeks to write a musical for the Emir of Qatar, complete with camels, horses, falcons, acrobats, fire performers and specific remits (we want you to say the word ‘aspire’ 10 times in this song).

Against the odds, Cole and composer David Crane achieved this feat, producing a one-off musical extravaganza. Such an excitement was it for them, that the pair went on to write another musical, The Road to Qatar, about their experiences. This show, Camelton, is a further one-man musical about how Cole came to write those earlier musicals. Perhaps this show could have been called ‘The Road to the Road to Qatar’.

If it sounds meta that’s because it is. A joke perhaps that could’ve been leaned into with an all-singing, all-dancing musical, for the story is an interesting one. However, given that it is a story about a story about a show, we the audience is so far removed from the original adventure that the initial ‘wow factor’ described is lost. Footage from both the first and the second musicals is shown on a large screen, yet rather than drawing us in, it seems to remind us of what we are missing. The overall impression becomes that of an upbeat presentation.

Cole is a skilled singer and lyricist, has strong stage presence and great energy which remains high throughout. The songs, all in classic musical style, are catchy, witty and fun.

Unfortunately the show as a whole feels a tad dry. It is crisp and polished, but to the point of seeming overworked. The story is clearly told and easy to follow but the emotions can feel ‘acted’, further separating the audience from Cole’s experience.

For existing fans of Cole this show is a treat: some audience members had even returned to see the show for a second time. For those who are new to him, his rich musical theatre history prior to the experience in Qatar are laid out through photos and video clips, so you know exactly where you are.

As a pitch for The Road to Qatar this show works well, as a show in its own right, however, it is lacking. Saying that, if you enjoy listening to catchy new musical songs from a brilliant singer this may be a show for you.

Molly Glenn