Take Five … Edinburgh Fringe ‘Musical’ Musicals
What’s an Edinburgh Fringe musical without “musical” in the title? One whose producer hasn’t maximised his or her word count in the Fringe programme probably. It’s that kind of pragmatic thinking from which The Musical of Musicals The Musical was born surely. Here are five more that leapt off the pages of the 2011 programme at us.
1) Alzheimers the Musical: A Night to Remember!
The Melbourne Comedy Festival Award-winning show has travelled to the other side of the world to bring its humorous, dancing grannies to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Set in Jurassic Park retirement home, anything outrageous is permitted, except getting old, obviously! Gilded Balloon Teviot, 3-29 August, 17:00.
At last year’s festival, Fresher won Best New Musical in the Musical Theatre Matters (MTM) Award, sponsored by Whatsonstage.com, for best new musical. The company are back for a second year with this sharp-witted, shamelessly truthful and touching comedy about university Freshers’ Week. Expect drinking games, hangovers and lots of students on the pull. Pleasance Dome, 3-29 August, 15:50.
This comedy follows the story of a successful 1980s boyband who are conned by their manager when reaching the pinnacle of success. Years later, they reunite to try and gain back their fortune, success and musical credibility. TheSpaces on the Mile, 15-27 August, 22:05.
With a title like that, heroes, heroines and do-gooders of all sorts may want to steer clear this comedy musical. It centres on the evil actions of seven super-villains, each individually fighting for world supremacy. But who will win? Gryphon Venues at the Point Hotel, 15-20 August, 18:35.
This Broadway hit turned Hollywood film with Antonio Banderas tells the story of Guido Contini, who is struggling to come up with an idea for his ninth film. It’s described as a musical for anyone who’s enchanted by cinema and consists of an all-but-one female cast who naturally take great pleasure in tormenting the only male, Contini. Paradise in Augustine’s, 8-13 August, 18:40.
