Former graduates from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School have a sure-fire hit with their sparkling new musical The Emu War: A New Musical.
Written by Lotte Pearl with music by Toby Little, this witty, funny show tells the bizarre true story exploring the impact that the depression of 1930 had for Australian veterans who survived the First World War.
Aidan Toombs’s set design features a dilapidated wooden farmhouse on the edge of the outback where the farmers try to eke out a basic living growing crops, but they have a problem: the pesky emus are eating their produce.
A solution is urgently needed, and so they write to the government to ask for help. Sir George Pierce agrees to visit them and provide help from the army. They even consider building a fence to keep the emus out—perhaps more than a nod towards the USA / Mexican wall.
But all doesn’t go well for him, as on all counts, the emus win and he is disgraced and becomes news headline for his failure.
All of the cast perform with panache, energy and so much enthusiasm. They are extremely accomplished singers, creating beautiful harmonies and performing ballads, romantic duets with haunting melodies and rousing ensemble work with aplomb.
There is a charming and poignant gay subplot that is particularly moving and even may bring a tear to your eye.
Then there is the clever puppetry: sock puppet emus who have a life of their own and interact with the humans.
Inventively directed by Jessie Milton, who has captured the playfulness and tomfoolery of the story, and with imposing choreography by Spike Maxwell, this fast-paced, highly enjoyable production oozes exuberance and should not be missed. Fight for a ticket!