FESTIVAL —
theatre/MUSICALS
I HER A very topical show tor the Fringe. The leminist version ol ‘ltair‘. Remember, nudes and the Age of Aquarius and all that? No? Never mind. This is about Mother Earth and the struggle to save her. Green Door Rehearsals (Fringe) Across the Mersey Theatre, Hill Lodge (Venue 101) 26 Aug-1 Sept. 11.10am. £2.50 (£1).
I LOVE KEVIN Another topical theme is loIlowed in this presentation. lt'sthe plight ol the young homeless in the ‘City of Dreams'. London.
Sure to be strong stuII. Northern Theatre Company (Fringe) The Pleasance (Venue 33) 25 Aug—1 Sept, 5.30pm. £5 (£3).
I CAPTAIN STIRRICK Bartholomew Fair's puppets and sideshows probe and reveal the darker side of lite among the young street criminals in the London oI Charles Dickens. Not suitable for children under seven years.
The National Youth Music Theatre (Fringe) George Square Theatre (Venue 37) 26 Aug-1 Sept, 7pm; 2841 Aug, 10am, £5(£3.50).
I DAVY - THE MUSICAL It you like the stories of Dickens and especially David Coppertield, this should be Ior you. Featuring all the well-known chkensian characters, should appeal to kids olaIl ages.
The Edinburgh Young Theatre Company (Fringe) South Leith Parish Hall (Venue 92) 27—1 Sept, 2.30pm, £3 (£2).
I NERD - THE MUSICAL Did Nero really bum Rome or was his alibi that he was having music lessons at the time, believable? Using music and song, this company brings to tile the days ot the Emperor himselt.
Richard Demarco Gallery (Fringe) Demarco Gallery (Venue 22) 27 Aug-1 Sept. 3.30pm, £4 (£3).
Night at the opera
The Americans may be heading for the Gulfin large numbers. but one group came to Edinburgh and the Fringe is all the richer for it. Bat Productions Inc took one helluva chance by staging the Phantom considering the worldwide success of the Lloyd Webber version. Undeterred. this ambitious group has come up with new songs and an enchanting score and is capturing new fans every evening.
It‘s the story of the disfigured and tormented genius who is forced to live under the Paris Opera House. a mask covering his hideous face. Afraid to be seen in public, he invades the spirit ofChristine Daae and enhances her singing voice. This is resented and a group of disbelievers led by Raoul begin to incur the Phantom‘s wrath. To add insult to injury. Raoul falls in love
with Christine. The resident Prima Donna, Carlotta is furious and refuses to step down to this young pretender. It is then that the Phantom swings into action, creating havoc by bringing down chandeliers and causing Carlotta to choke in mid top ‘c'.
Staging this in a church has proved to be a stroke of genius. The acoustics and atmosphere are perfect. Brilliant costumes and delightful ballet sequences add spectacle to this tragic tale. The professionalism of the cast is obvious. James Horan is so strong and yet sensitive as the Phantom. Christine is played with charm and
elegance by Karri Nussle. Mary Gould is a perfect Carlotta and Raoul, the handsome suitor, is well portrayed by Jeffrey Kensmore. Superb direction and choreography is courtesy of Helen Grigal and finally, a magical musical tour composed and conducted by MD. Eugene Anderson. This is a treat for all the family, theatrical splendour, not to be missed. (Sean Kavanagh) I The Phantom ol the Opera (Fringe) Bat Productions Inc, St Bernard’s Church (Venue 71) until 26 Aug. 7.30pm. matinee 25 Aug, 2pm. £5 (£4).
THE HOUSE ON THE CORNER
To dream a dream. To sacrilice everything in pursuit 01 that dream. To see those dreams crumble betore your eyes. That was the lot oIJ.M. Barrie, the boy who never grew up.
Ouinguereme Productions present this stirring musical as a World Premiere and have ended up with a huge hit. This show reaches out and grabs the audience, makes them happy and then moves them to tears.
Using the stage to Its tullest potential, Barrie's dreams untold In magical lashion. In his search tor the means to put a boy in Itight he encounters lamity, triends and George Kirby oI Kirby's Flying Ballet. Death and despondency arrive in dramatic Iashion to haunt Barrie, but he soldiers on. From start to Ilnish, this show enraptures and draws on the emotions.
Richard Bourio Is majestic as Barrie and his singing is a joy. His performance is well buttressed by those 01 Graham Addison (Kirby) and Jinty Smart (Mary Nodgson). David Lyall, the MD. and accompanist adds much to this wonderlul musical. DirectorJulianne Jerome triumphs.
II this is not awarded a Fringe First, l’m changing my daily paper. That'll scare ’em. (Sean Kavanagh)
The House on the Comer (Fringe) Dulnguereme Productions, Broughton High School Theatre (Venue 69) 7.30pm, until 25 Aug, £4 (£3.50).
_ THE GOLDEN KEY
Here’s a horrible thought. Take Bob Monkhouse, Bruce Forsyth, Leslie Crowther and Jeremy Beadle, put them into a melting pot and see what emerges. Yes, I know it would be hideous, but it would not measure up to Nigel Nice, host oi The Golden Key.
lneverthought I’d say this, butthank goodness lorThe Price is Right. Nigel and his two ultra sexy assistants called, wait lor it, Cindy and Barbie, scantily dressed no doubt, entice an audience at weirdos to compete Ior prizes with the winner going on to collect the Golden Key.
It you have had a pint or six you could get into the spirit of this. There are some good songs and some good singers. Gary Cairney (Nigel) wrote this as well as the music and takes all the blame. Rightly so. He's a brave lad. It you have 40 minutes to spare then ‘Come on Down’. (Sean Kavanagh)
The Golden Key (Fringe) Hill Street Theatre (Venue 41) until 25 Aug, 12.10am; 28 Aug—1 Sept, 1.10pm, £3 (£2.50).
THE SECRET DIARY OF ADRIAN MOLE AGE 3/4
This is a typical teenager-zlts and all. His life is thrown Into turmoil by his mother's randy ramblings and his dad's constant state 01 poverty. The tact that one part of his nether regions won’t stay still doesn’t help either.
Then along comes Pandora and the poor guy is tlnished. It’s the standard Adrian, only he's Scottish In this case. Edinburgh Youth Theatre, that bastion ot young talent, gives us this good giggle. Ade is kicked, InsuIted, hurt and sometimes kissed. Oh yes, sex and violence to boot. Ne treats us to extracts Irom his very personal but boring diary.
Some good pertormances, particularly Damien Lindsay as Adrian, Sara Roseburgh who plays the sexy Mrs Mole and Juliet Wilson who, as Pandora, displays a boxtul of talent. That great theatrical lady, Bobble Jellrey, who has done so much lor theatre groups at all age groups in the City, is Co Producer. Well worth a visit, (Sean Kavanagh)
The Secret Diary 01 Adrian Mole (Fringe) Edinburgh Youth Theatre, St Oswald's (Venue 77) until 25 Aug, 10.15pm. 7.30pm, £2 (£1.50).
The List 24 — 30 August 1990 39