For the last eighteen years Out of the Blue has built a vibrant reputation as one of the finest acapella groups at Edinburgh. Not only great singing but a bright and endearing sense of self deprecating humour and some smart choreography. First appearing in 2003, Out of the Blue – consisting a rolling cast of graduates and undergraduates from various Oxford Universities (hence the blue reference) – have made the annual pilgrimage up north making their home in the George Aikman Theatre every day at 3pm. The eclectic selection of modern and old pop classics fuses together deftly and adroitly creating a delightful anthology which flies by in moments leaving a warm, glowing sense of satisfaction and happiness. It’s a show which really epitomes what the Fringe is about. 13 young guys with no other agenda than the sheer joy of performing drawn from all corners of the world coming together to raise money for their chosen children’s hospice and creating such a swell of joy as to be irresistible.
Faultless, joyful and simply, happily kind.
I’m Still Standing, How Deep is Your Love and many other pop songs unknown to this wizened old critic are all given the OOTB treatment and a big acapella hug embraces them all. The unity, the harmony, the communal delight is palpable in both cast and audience and though the latter was limited in size (it’s early days and the Fringe is only just kicking off) their satisfaction was tangible and the boy’s enthusiasm was infectious.
And if you want a finale to whoop along to with delirious happiness they have created something wonderful. I’m giving nothing away when I say it is a montage homage to one of the greatest bands on the planet. Oh, and there’s tap dancing. Slap bang in the middle of a close harmony show a pair of tap shoes are donned and, to the accompaniment of some top quality beat boxing, give us a dazzling display of footwork. What’s not to like?
I’ve been watching Out of the Blue on and off since my first year in 2007 and without doubt they continue to prove themselves the heart of the festival and the spirit of the Fringe. Faultless, joyful and simply, happily kind. Go spend and a hour of your time in their company.
