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Fringe 2009 Reviews (54)
Jerry Springer - The Opera
Music by Richard Thomas. Book and lyrics by Stewart Lee and Richard
Thomas.
One Academy Productions
Musical Theatre @ George Square
****
This is a marmite production. It was when it originally opened and
remains controversial enough that George Square saw protests against
this version staged by One Academy.
I've discovered that I'm not a fan of this piece of work and find Jesus
and the Devil taking far more than four bars to say to each other 'F**k
you' to each other rather childish. However this huge production is
very comfortably handled by the talented company whose vocal and physical
characterisations had many of the audience in fits of laughter.
Despite some sound problems the solo pieces were performed energetically
and, thanks to clever scene and costume changes, the cast of 21 seemed
triple the size. With tap dancing Klu Klux Klan members, a cameo appearance
from God and all manner of weird and wonderful guests on Jerry's stage
this is truly an epic show - it's just a matter of personal taste as
to whether like me you understand and appreciate or like the rest of
the audience you lap up and love.
Amy Yorston
Four Sad Faces: Pith and Vinegar
Four Sad Faces/PBH's Free Fringe
The Canon's Gait
***
'Turn that frown upside down' with Four Sad Faces.
Wittily observed swift sketches from a young group of performers moving
from a stirring military speech given to Tetrus pieces, a Richard
III parody from the 'Burger King'-dom and a disapproving police
man keeping a check on any unlicensed comedy portrayals of one-dimensional
characters, this group show impressive talent and potential. And best
of all: it's free! Five-star quality for value for money - a great way
to pass an idle midday hour, drop in and enjoy.
Sacha Voit
The Chronicles of Irania
A Moment's Peace
Pleasance Courtyard
****
This one woman show moving between welcoming exchanges with the audience,
legend telling narrative and immersed acting on the horrors of persecution
is a swift, sweet journey into consummate story-telling.
Performer Maryam Hamidi creates a beautifully enthralling atmosphere
of woven tales whilst charming and enchanting her audience. Including
stories of magic and legend alongside disturbing snap-shots of a woman
with acid thrown in her face for 'not being a good wife', this piece
touches and disturbs. Whilst this show will not appeal to the majority,
it is a subtly crafted, expertly balanced tale of inequality and sacrifice
in the light and in the dark.
Sacha Voit
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