The 2012 edition of Strictly Songtime’s film song series for the Edinburgh Fringe was organised around the theme of Oscar-winning music. Starting with the Lullaby of Broadway from 42nd Street and covering everything from Working Girl to the most recent winner, A Man Or a Muppet from the new Muppets movie, the four-man troupe led by singing teacher Anne Diack and accompanied by accomplished pianist Greig W.W. Hill schmoozed and sang their way through all the little-knowns and best-loveds of cinema music.
Yet, dressed like Hollywood divas in fur and co-ordinated fancy clothes, the four singers had all the trappings of nostalgic wannabes. There was something unappetisingly indulgent about the premise of the evening – why is it relevant, or interesting for us to listen to these old songs in the mouths of somewhat dodgy musicians? All the singers except Diack were below par. So why come along? To learn?
Although there was some educative attempt during the introductions, the information was never quite reflective or critical instead relying on description that could be equally well found on Wikipedia. It would have been interesting to hear some opinions on what, other than their Oscars, links the different songs. What, do they think, is the ever-powerful allure of the golden statuettes? None of these questions were dealt with and without any exploration there was a sad air of vain superficiality to the production. It fit categorically into that type of evening that charges unabashedly for “just a bit of fun”.
Still, it must be granted that what the performers lost in skill and interest they made up for in charm. Diack’s other female singer was possibly the most expressive woman to take a stage. Her eyes were big beautiful pools and she sang with an elegant intensity that made up for her inaccuracies. Everyone was friendly and kind, really supportive of the two young girls who used the evening to showcase their talent. One, a thirteen-year-old called Anna, had the most unusual, high, clear voice to have sounded at the fringe. With a little more intelligence (and a few more lessons) Diack’s idea might still be salvaged. As it stands, you will have that promised bit of fun only as long as you don’t look forward to taking anything away at the end.
