Public looks like it could be the next big musical phenomenon to have passed through the Fringe. Four complete strangers with next to nothing in common find themselves trapped in a public toilet until maintenance can let them out. What follows is a dazzlingly funny and exceptionally well written hour of human connection and interaction with the odd showstopping tune along the way.
The next big musical phenomenon to have passed through the Fringe
The characters all appear very real, although they all fulfil a stereotype that you might come to expect in the modern age; anti-woke business man, gen-z personification of cancel culture, etc... They’re all flawed, but charismatic, thoughtful, but selfish. A lot of the characters' personalities can also be attributed to the jaw-dropping skills of all four actors. Each performer sings and acts to a level of skill that can often be hard pressed to find at the Edinburgh Fringe and each is given their moment to shine.
Annabel Marlow as Jo, Alicia Corrales as Laura, Hugo Rolland as Finley, and Andrew-Patrick Walker as Andrew all put on an incredible performance with stunning vocals. Walker especially has the tenor voice of angel, which is hilarious and mind-blowing at the same time as you come to find out more about his character.
The show touches on sensitive and important topics, such as sexuality, anxiety and the way people interact with these topics. This is done deliberately carefully and sensitively, whilst also never becoming distractingly preachy. They manage this by making the most sensitive and empathetic voice also the most annoying and self-involved. The delicate care they take in making four balanced characters is to be appreciated.
The music all has that contemporary, pop/rock musical theatre sound, but still has undeniable originality and each song fits perfectly into its scene. The lyrics are witty, but simple and keep the audience hooked from beginning to end. Public has great potential due to the entire production being created and beautifully formed by professionals.
