Unlike its predecessors in the Twisted Childhood Universe, this film seemed to lack the camp and silliness that comes from making nasty versions of childhood icons. Despite all of this, the Twisted Childhood Universe is still inherently a fun idea and has potential to make creative films, but when it comes to the abysmal portrayal of children in this one, to quote one of the final lines of the film, “Don’t do it again, OK?”
Find Your Light Theatre’s production of Everybody's Talking About Jamie delivers a heartfelt story of self-acceptance and dreams, featuring strong performances, particularly from Olly Freeman-Ferguson as Jamie. Despite some rough edges, including clunky transitions and occasional choreography issues, the show captivates with its vibrant energy and impressive technical elements, making for an enjoyable experience.
Happy Sad Productions showcases "Monty Python’s Spamalot" at Portobello Town Hall, delivering a high-energy performance filled with slapstick humor and stellar comedic timing. Standout performances from Stephen Donaldson as King Arthur and Justyne Snyder as the Lady of the Lake highlight the show, despite some sound issues. Overall, the production blends silliness and modern references into a hilarious experience.
The Karate Kid: The Musical at The Festival Theatre brings nostalgia and excitement to the iconic story. With solid performances, particularly by Gino Ochello as Daniel and Adrian Pang as Mr. Miyagi, the production offers memorable songs and impressive choreography. While it has some structural flaws, it ultimately delivers a captivating coming-of-age tale.
The Royal Lyceum's "The Lyceum at Home" celebrates community through a series of poignant monologues related to Edinburgh's identity. Directed by Jennifer Fletcher, the performance weaves together hopes and memories, showcasing the essence of human connection. Each narrative, enriched by the cast's performances, highlights the importance of people over places.
Illyria Theatre's adaptation of "The Three Musketeers" at Edinburgh Castle received a five-star review for its captivating performances and innovative staging. The cast excelled in multiple roles, with standout performances from Alex Layfield as D'Artagnan and Christopher Laishley as Athos. The production blended slapstick and drama, creating an engaging theatrical experience.
Candle House Collective's play "Claws" offers a unique interactive experience where the audience engages via phone with an actor portraying a customer service representative. The narrative revolves around a deception involving a monster in a closet. While innovative and entertaining, the overall tension lacks seriousness, suggesting room for improvement in storytelling.
Big Live’s adaptation of Dracula, directed and choreographed by Joel Burke, is a visually captivating but flawed ballet. The production highlights the relationship between Dracula, Mina, and Jonathan Harker, but suffers from pre-recorded music and inconsistent lighting. Abbey Hansen's performance as Mina stands out, yet the adaptation's limited focus leaves much to be desired.
The Edinburgh People’s Theatre presents a successful rendition of Calendar Girls, directed by Jacqueline Wheble. The story follows Annie, who, alongside friends from the Women’s Institute, creates a nude calendar to raise funds after her husband's terminal cancer diagnosis. The performances, particularly by Lynn Cameron and Carol Bryce, capture the balance of humor and emotion, providing a heartfelt exploration of sisterhood amidst tragedy.
The Edinburgh People’s Theatre presents a successful rendition of Calendar Girls, directed by Jacqueline Wheble. The story follows Annie, who, alongside friends from the Women’s Institute, creates a nude calendar to raise funds after her husband's terminal cancer diagnosis. The performances, particularly by Lynn Cameron and Carol Bryce, capture the balance of humor and emotion, providing a heartfelt exploration of sisterhood amidst tragedy.
