Tokyo Rose continues at Underbelly Cowgate – Iron Belly, Edinburgh until 25 August 2019.
Star rating: five stars ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Award-winning Burnt Lemon Theatre returns and impresses once again. This young all-female company is dazzling in this show, based on the true story of ‘Tokyo Rose’. Born and raised in America, our heroine, Iva D’Aquino, runs an errand of mercy to help her aunt recover from illness in Japan. In catastrophic timing, Pearl Harbour means she is trapped in Japan, unable to return.
Her story takes a turn when she is recruited to feature in a radio programme for stranded English-speakers, a lifeline for the cultural orphan she’s become.
Her return to the USA sees her put on trial for treason – highlighting themes of national identity and migrant populations. Tricked into adopting the name ‘Tokyo Rose’ by a journalist, Iva has to struggle against the machine of the state to prove her innocence. A timely example of using anti-migrant propaganda to shore up the power of the state.
This cast of five supremely talented and well-rehearsed young women are a delight to watch from start to finish. The musical style is rich and varied – if a CD were available it would be selling out as quickly as tickets for this show. Close harmonies, evoking the Andrews Sisters’ style right alongside contemporary rap and scat are spine-tingling. The ‘Caught in the Crossfire’ ballad is a pivotal moment for Iva’s character – a diva is born. Immense vocal range and power matched with superb acting, remember the name Maya Britto.
The staging is well designed, evoking wartime simply and effectively. Lighting design supports the almost sepia tones of the set and costumes. The sound is simply superb, from the balance between music and singers to sound effects for the planes overhead.
The entire company performs with precision, commitment and an intensity seldom seen. Selling out every performance, this show deserves a run well beyond the Fringe. Congratulations Burnt Lemon, I cannot wait to see where this company goes next. Book as soon as you can. A must-see.
Fiona Orr
SHARE THIS POST:
Comments are closed.