Carmen High – Opera Posse – 4****

Opera Posse is a youth group from LA. They provided an outstanding modern version of Bizet’s Carmen, using modern lyrics to Bizet’s traditional opera as well as including hip-hop and original modern day songs. Set in the Spotlites Theatre in … Read More

Ruby and the Vinyl – The John Godber Company 4****

This wonderfully written story by John and Elizabeth Godber is set in a vintage store in Hull. Ruby Mackintosh is the composer of the music; looking stunning in her vintage dress she sets each scene with her wonderful acoustic repartee. … Read More

Ushers: The Front of House Musical – 5 stars *****

…with one star for the venue’s acoustics. Bravo to the exceptionally talented cast for battling against the incredibly difficult conditions in this old church, it’s appreciated.

It’s easy to see how this new musical has come up ‘through the ranks’ … Read More

Poppies – 5 stars *****

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

A ridiculously talented cast of actor/musicians performed this delightful new piece of musical theatre with a refreshing honesty which had most of the audience in tears by the end.

Okay, so there is nothing new in any … Read More

The Craft of the Cooper – 3 stars ***

3 stars ***

This got off to a fine start with some very powerful acting from the father. The intensity wasn’t kept by the rest of the cast however although kudos for performing within the constraints of such a small … Read More

UKIP! The Musical – 4 stars ****

It had to happen some time and here we are with a satirical musical kind of based on the rise of Nigel Farage. I’ve seen some complaints that this show is vulgar, crude, racist etc. but that’s the point. Just … Read More

Hedwig and the Angry Inch – 4 stars ****

Hedwig is now a cult Fringe classic, having been performed several times over the past few years and ironically usually in this venue.

This production, more than the others I have seen, had very good audience interaction and despite the … Read More

Cult – 4 stars ****

Cult is an interesting new piece of musical theatre, a collection of monologues and songs relating to different cult groups throughout history. In a similar way to how “Working” presents the material of Studs Terkel, we are presented by actual … Read More

Urinetown – 5 stars *****

It’s great to see Urinetown back in Edinburgh, I’m surprised it isn’t on more often as it’s a perfect show for the diverse audiences of the Fringe.

Once again the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland brings first-class production values to the … Read More

Departures:A Song Cycle – 4 stars ****

I unfortunately missed this last year due to traffic issues so looked forward to seeing this extended version. It wasn’t quite what I expected but overall was very enjoyable.

Set on a train platform there are lots of good ideas … Read More