The Fringe offers a wonderfully accessible platform that allows anyone and anything to have a go
On the whole the thirty-strong cast - made up of students at the Denver School of the Arts Theatre - gave an energetic and enthusiastic performance, and I must admit I was pleasantly surprised by the debut of the original score (which in my experience can often be a gamble - for every well-known musical there must be two-hundred which unfortunately could not stand the test of time). It was evident from the first ensemble number that a lot of love and hard-work had gone into this production. Whilst I did feel that the maturity level of the script could have done with growing up by a few years – if you are not performing in a children’s show I would urge anyone to avoid singing about a “poopy” nemesis – there was undeniable talent amongst the performers. In particular, those who portrayed First Minister Bruno Sludge and his political rival Larry outdid themselves with bluesy renditions throughout the performance. I couldn’t help but be fully aware, however, that this was a school play. It ticked all the boxes to delight proud parents: corny dance routines, questionable costumes (I’m looking at you, Abraham) and exaggerated reactions from members of the chorus. I would argue that the joy of a school play often comes from watching friends and relatives rather than the execution of the production, but nevertheless I found myself suitably entertained.
The Fringe offers a wonderfully accessible platform that allows anyone and anything to have a go, try out new ideas and receive some of the most honest feedback going; and I’m sure that this educational experience will make the cast stronger actors because of it… although I couldn’t help but feel that the show was geared more towards the students’ schooling than to the paying audience’s enjoyment.
