one4review | On 21, Aug 2024

This show is a lovely complete piece that nevertheless feels like it would benefit from some more workshops and focus groups to fully realise its potential. That isn’t to say that what’s here isn’t good – it is – just that, especially compared to this company’s other production, there are places where the detail isn’t quite as…detailed. Perhaps this is akin to a comedian bringing a work in progress to the Fringe: it’s a complete thing, but it needs to be performed, in full, to live bodies in order to figure out what works and what needs some fine tuning.

The plot and its various strands are solid and well constructed, with a good pace towards a satisfyingly predictable resolution. The show opens – has already opened – as you’re walking in – with a really nice framing device, and the characters are well drawn and well performed. The whole cast have excellent voices, and the harmonisation and choreography are spot-on.

There’s humour in here too, though some lands better than others – the silent disco tour is a highlight, while the wealthy brother-and-sister scions are a slightly uncomfortable caricature that isn’t really used for anything apart from to mock. Being a critic, I also really enjoyed the critic’s song – the satire here is sharp. There’s good bones in this show, and I’d love to see it return, fully fledged.

Reviewed by Laura

Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose
12:00
Until 25th