It is a delight to see The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland returning to the Fringe for its eighteenth year with Benji Pasek and Justin Paul’s marvellous song cycle Edges. It is a wonderfully uplifting way to start your day (it’s a 10AM start at the Assembly Rooms) with this immensely talented company of MA Musical Theatre students.
The setting is a New York apartment with opaque sliding screens, pot plants and a huge sofa—very stylish indeed. It is shared by four friends and a surprise 30th party has been arranged for one of them. However, this is a time that they question, “who are we and what do we want to become?”
The characters are not named, but Taylor Frisina, Sophia Holmes, Claire Rob and Lauren Troy perform with energy and panache as the story of their lives unfold. It is essentially a coming-of-age tale; their fears and dreams are real. They question, “do I really want to be me?”
There is an uneasiness as they question about getting older, their relationships and love. Each of the actors has an individual perspective on life and is given space to relate this to the audience and sing superbly, and the duets are captivating. When the four come together to sing, they produce impressive vocal arrangements and delicious harmonies.
Their acting and belief in each other is inspiring and the vibrant music ranges from ballads to glitzy showbiz numbers with slick fun choreography. The number "Be my Friend" pokes fun at the early days of Facebook, and "Ready for Love" begins to resolve their complicated relationships.
Musical direction for this performance was by Gail Tay and the band was on point. Everyone faces edges, journeys that are uncertain, questions that need to be answered and life to be faced.
Edges is an exuberant production, beautifully staged and an absolute little gem. I urge you to go.