In this show, Stephen Swanson and David Gompper present a classical recital of 25 songs from a fine selection of composers and lyricists, including Gompper himself. The pair are both highly esteemed and accomplished musicians: Swanson is a concert and opera singer and Gompper is a pianist, conductor and composer. The technical brilliance with which they perform each song is evident in the intimate and fitting venue.
Fans of Ravel and Reger and the old comedy duo Flanders and Swann will be thoroughly entertained by the elegance with which Gompper plays and the emotive beauty of Swanson’s vocals. Even those unfamiliar with the works of these figures can find charm in the performance; it is difficult not to crack a small smile as Swanson sings passionately about warthogs and other such creatures. For some it will be a pleasant and peaceful way to spend an hour and fifteen minutes, chuckling along to lighthearted songs that anthropomorphise our furry and feathered friends. However, as it contains mainly classical music and comedy about animals, this show will not appeal to all.
Considering the calibre of acts that perform at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, this recital seems a little dated. Though their talent is undeniable, the niche they have chosen means they should have perhaps shortened it. As Swanson has to take an interval after an hour in order to continue the second section of the show, this might have been a wise move. Especially as the second section only lasts fifteen minutes more, which ruins the flow of their performance.
