An interesting story is let down by poor staging and a forgettable soundtrack in Katie Hale and Stephen Hyde's new musical The Inevitable Quiet of the Crash.
Three females, all linked to one man (Alex) take the audience on a very bumpy musical ride as they come to terms with his untimely death in a rail accident. His mother Julia has taken to drink; Sally, an aspiring model, has fallen pregnant with his baby and Anne has fallen in love with him even if he wasn't quite reciprocating her advances.
Although working beautifully as an ensemble, the lack of connection between the characters creates a clunky and confusing narrative. With a little work, this piece could easily transform into an emotive masterpiece but at present you can't help but feel there are maybe too many ideas eating into the theatrical spectacle.
For a show that defines itself in its title as inevitably quiet, you would also have a task on your hand to find a louder musical than The Inevitable Quiet of the Crash at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. With massive drum solos penetrating the action and the highest of high notes making an appearance every few minutes, the audience are at times battling to fully understand the words being sung.
Hale's lyrics are by far the best part of this show with some lovely phrases and imagery created through the words spoken and sung, however the music backing them does little to add to the beauty created by them. There are no catchy themes present and often the minimalist feel of the music becomes slightly too repetitive.
Issy Fidderman's direction is at times simple and elegant but transitions from scene to scene are messy and don't seem to fit the small playing space of C royale.
Actress Ellen Timothy must be mentioned for her superb portrayal of Julia, the alcoholic mother. Her stage presence and vocal ability is second to none and she shines from the moment the first chord is played.
The Inevitable Quiet of the Crash is great in theory and has some lovely moments but doesn't quite reach the standard of other new musicals in the Scottish capital this year.