In 1993 Bosnia broke free from Yugoslavia during the war that raged there, destroying some of the country's best known architecture and costing many lives. These events transpired nearly 13 years after the death of President Tito.
It’s the events of May 4th 1980 that forms the starting point of this gripping, gritty and engrossing musical from the pen of librettist Michael Wilkinson and composer Nicholas Keyworth. We follow the story of Ivan Petrovic (Jeremy Garner) who falls in love with Adela Zebak (Shinead Byrne). As political times change, Ivan is thrust to the fore to lead a town of workers stricken by the harsh working conditions and so begins the revolution.
The production grips from the very beginning as the audience are drawn into the storyline, including emotionally charged moments when a mother does what's best for her son when the final call is reached. It's the styling of these emotional moments alongside the challenges of watching a country tearing itself apart that make this show so watchable. Even a failure in the lights couldn’t stop this cast from giving it their all.
This is a standout performance both from the leads, especially Garner who draws the eyes whenever he is onstage, and the ensemble. Additional credit must go to Daniel Falber as Jakob Zeb who reaches the emotional high points with ease and has the tears rolling down the faces of the audience. This is a production which showcases the very best of new british writing talent and performers here at the Fringe and proves that it's possible to capture the brilliance of Les Miserables and Miss Saigon for a new generation.
Revolution! The Musical has a long life ahead of it and should it keep performers of this calibre in the cast it will soon be hitting the west end. If you want unmissable musical theatre this Fringe then be sure to book your ticket for this revolutionary musical.
