Created by Grace McLean
Review by Eloise Robertson
Belly Button at Underbelly, Cowgate
Penelope is an utter triumph of songwriting and performance. It is exceptional to see a story weaved by a sole performer hold such attention. From the first notes and touches of dialogue – soft and slow to build – we are made certain of their intimate connection. Penelope’s (Grace McLean) voice, even in spoken word, made merely the fourth part of the band. There is no separation; book, music, and performance are as one.
One notices immediately how musically interesting the piece is. Cellist (Anna McLean), pianist (Alex Bechtel) and drummer (Jonnie Grant) provide no mere backing track. Instead, their score mimics the elements around Penelope; the sigh of the ebbing and flowing sea a mirror for the back and forth of her turmoil. Such is the balance struck by Bechtel’s score – between innovation and realism.
The balance is complemented flawlessly by the book, taking on Penelope’s enduringly resonant turmoil through natural, modern language. Both funny and deeply sincere, Bechtel’s writing uses humour to its great advantage; every line feels personal and honest. It is quite the feat to modernise both the tone and language of the script yet lose none of the intensity of Penelope and Odysseus’ love.
McLean strikes this balance beautifully in her performance. It is incredibly impressive to lean so fully into the comedy of the writing, and the sincerity of Penelope’s emotion, yet never make either feel out-of-place. She is a credit to her craft, combining exceptional intonation, spectacular vocals, and utter precision of movement into a flawless performance. To listen to her sing is an absolute treat. She has mastered a spectrum from buttery soul to gravely intensity; the full range of which is delightfully emotive.
Eva Steinmetz’s direction deserves a world of praise for the seeming ease with which our attention was held. Her choices brought so much spirit: the brilliant fun of bringing McLean nto the audience, the playful integration of the musicians, and the timeless dress and setting which allowed for Penelope’s cheeky modernity. Steinmetz has created a piece of such integration between joy and emotional resonance that even rainbow lighting feels poetic.
It is a credit to Steinmetz, McLean, and especially Bechtel, that this piece feels so collaborative. It is a meeting of exceptional musical, lyrical and performing talent. Innovative, funny, and deeply resonant; it is a delight to experience
Deeply Resonant
Penelope runs Venue 61, Belly Button at Underbelly, Cowgate at 15:45
Running time – Sixty-five minutes
Review by Eloise Robertson (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Eloise is studying her fourth year of a Philosophy degree at University of Edinburgh, but she spends far too much time costuming student shows and writing opinion pieces for The Student. Since returning from her year abroad in Australia, she’s worked Bedlam Fringe and thrown herself back into Footlights and EUSOG by costuming both their main term shows. At the same time, she’s increasingly found her true passion in writing, and will begin her Master’s in International/Human Rights Journalism next September.
Eloise is a lover of all things camp and comedic, so she’s super excited to review stand-up, clowning, drag, musical theatre, and much more! At the same time, she’s a literature nerd who loves to see a reimagining of a traditional, emotive piece; whether it’s a one man Vanya or unicycling Bottom.
