one4review | On 19, Aug 2024

The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) are Fringe stalwarts, with multiple musical productions throughout the years. Last year was the brilliant Big Fish, and this year they tackle head on Sondheim’s 1973 opus, A Little Light Music.

Based on Ingmar Bergman’s 1955 film Smiles Of A Summer Night, you are introduced to multiple couples and family members whose relationships with partners are in various states of disarray. Through the intricate lyrics they intertwine through the class divide, social standing, and infidelity as each partnership links into others.

Sondheim’s regarded as musical royalty and his rabid fanbase aren’t kind to weak imitators. I’m pleased to report RCS haven’t fallen into that trap.

It’s a one-set stage, which works really well with Sondheim’s music and lighting and direction from Tom Cooper makes the show flow from one area to another well.

The cast is strong, with the leads all getting their moment to shine with their allotted solos, particular praise going to Jen Cassidy as Countess Malcolm and Micheala Elise Fox as Madam Armfield.

The musical elephant in the room is of course “Send In The Clowns” which has been known to derail many a production. Not here, Anna Toogood as Desiree owns it and gives the pathos required.

Finally, a big shout out to the technical crew working on mixing the vocals with the live orchestra. They had their work cut out for them with the amount of mics and after a couple of minutes adjusting was spot on.

RCS have a habit of taking on difficult shows in the Fringe and yet again prove to be the best in the business at what they do.
Can’t wait to see what they are planning for next year.

****
Guest Reviewer – Steven
Assembly Rooms – Music Hall
10.00 (2hrs 20)
Until 25th August (not 21st or 24th)