one4review | On 18, Aug 2013

****

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Dr Who series and Jamie (James Wilson-Taylor) and Jess (Jessica Spray) had planned a musical comedy as a tribute. However, a letter from the BBC forbids them from making direct references to the programme for copyright reasons. The threat of legal action scuppers their original concept – well almost.

Jamie comes up with an alternative script in which the obvious references are disguised. Thus, the Doctor is ‘The Lord of The Time’ and the Tardis becomes the ‘Phone Box of Love’. He plays the Doctor in kilt, white shirt and bow tie, and all the other characters following rapid exits and entrances to don the appropriate costumes of which there are many. Jess plays his long-suffering and argumentative companion, McFeisty.

Together they perform a bright and breezy musical parody. They take on the megalomaniacal villains – Mucus Monster, a rapping Da Masta and, of course, The Exterminators. The comedy songs are tuneful and the lyrics are cleverly constructed. Both performers are talented singers and their expression is full of energy.

This is a fun show for the full range of Dr Who fans of all ages.

Reviewed by Ben

Pleasance Courtyard; 33

31 July to 26 August 2013 (not 14, 20)

14.30 – 15.30

Fringe Programme Page Number: 292