The eight shortlisted Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024 shows contending for Musical Theatre Review’s Best Musical Award have been announced and they reflect what an outstanding year it has been for musical theatre.
Since day one the Musical Theatre Review team, led by Edinburgh Editor Fiona Orr, has been on the lookout for contenders. The award was created to recognise excellence in the challenging form of musical theatre in all its variety of styles.
Orr commented: “There have been so many highlights from across the globe and it’s good to see that the genre is in a healthy state with Fringe productions reaching new heights with increasingly sophisticated work being delivered by talent of the highest order.”
MTR publisher Lisa Martland added: “Congratulations to all the MTR Best Musical nominees. No one should ever underestimate the wonderful genre of musical theatre and what it can achieve. Just look at the range of subjects and styles represented in this list. I’m in awe of what all these creatives have achieved, and the quality of storytelling involved. It’s very exciting to be able to shine a spotlight on these productions that have so impressed our judging team.”
The winner will be revealed during the final few days of the Fringe.
The shortlist follows.
A History of Paper
Co-production between Dundee Rep and Traverse Theatre; Traverse Theatre
This show is wonderfully tender, never sentimental and performed beautifully. A success before its opening performance, this has been one of the biggest hits of 2024. With excellentwriting and just the right music and songs, this is truly a production that lives up to the hype and lives in the mind afterwards.
Dylan Mulvaney: FAGHAG
Wessex Grove Shows Limited; Assembly George Square Studios
Refusing to live as anyone other than themself, this is testament to the joy, toughness and honesty that comes from being born in the gender that doesn’t feel right. Great songs, brilliantly performed in this solo musical, making it deservedly one of the hottest tickets in town!
I’m Almost There
Audible, Francesca Moody Productions and DryWrite; Summerhall
Bizarrely delightful, this trio takes the audience down many a meandering lane in the quirky plot. Beautifully sung and played, the audience is captivated in this fable where love at first sight with the need for good coffee and hunting an escaped cat are all part of the almost sung-through piece. Super talent.
Mary, Queen of Rock!
Pretty Knickers Productions; Assembly Rooms
A uniquely rocking retelling of Mary, Queen of Scots’ tempestuous time as an outstanding music star bringing pleasure to a land where rock music has been banned. Some great set-pieces – this show packs a real punch.
The eight nominees for the Musical Theatre Review Best Musical Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2024
One Man Musical by Flo & Joan
Avalon; Pleasance Dome
This hilarious send-up of Andrew Lloyd Webber is brilliantly crafted and performed at a blistering pace. Deserving a future life beyond the Fringe, this original, witty piece deserves to be seen.
Pop Off, Michelangelo!
Blair Russell Productions; Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose
Long before Beyoncé gave us her Renaissance album, there was a different kind of ‘Renaissance’ period in which best friends Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci had ambitions to become giants in the world of art. Truly infectious pop meets musical theatre in a funny, heartfelt uplifting show.
The Emu War: A New Musical
Pearl Whirl Productions; Pleasance
Proof that what may seem a silly subject can be turned into a meaningful and highly enjoyable show which well deserves its success on the Fringe. This story of love, hope, politics and acceptance are all wrapped up in this absolutely delightful production with a phenomenal cast. And puppets.
Tiny Little Town
Theatre Movement Bazaar; Bedlam Theatre
Hilarious, detailed, skilled and thoroughly entertaining, this is a tight 90 minutes from Theatre Movement Bazaar that cannot be recommended highly enough. Packed with great songs, unique choreography and above all superb ensemble work.
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