one4review | On 13, Aug 2022

Kathy and Stella are two misfits from Hull who have bonded together over their love of true crime. Each week they host a podcast from a garage with the sign off ‘see you next murder’ and hope to develop their career under the guidance of Felicia Taylor, an author famous for unveiling the mass murderer ‘the Hull Decapitator’. Unfortunately, Felicia rejects them, and to their dismay they are taken to the police station next day as they are two of the last people to see Felicia alive – she has been murdered! With the chance to be a part of an actual true crime investigation, the hapless Kathy and Stella discover and bungle their way through the available evidence and along the way their true friendship is shaken to the core.

This was a hugely enjoyable musical production. The lyrics were often hilarious, and the Hull brogue adds a delightful edge to the singing. Bronte Barber (Kathy) and Rebecca Hinds (Stella) are incredibly endearing in their parts, but a shout out must be given to the ensemble cast – Jodie Jacobs, TJ Lloyd and Imelda Warren-Green, who play a major part in the success of this show by covering all of the other roles. Matthew Floyd Jones, who created the musical along with Jon Brittain, belts out the music with gusto on his piano for the whole performance, while seeming to keep a cynical eye on the drama before him. The cast were rewarded with a well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the show and, given the performance I was at was a sell out, I suggest you buy your tickets while you can.

*****

Reviewed by Rona

Roundabout in Roundabout @ Summerhall

9.50pm (1hr 10)

Until 28th Aug (not 16 or 23)