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.
Belgium’s Theatre4mains presented "Cheeky Zippy Violette" at the Scottish Storytelling Centre, skillfully performed by Gwladys Lefeuvre. The show entertains children while addressing themes of death and loss through playful storytelling. Lefeuvre's whimsical character and engaging interactions make for a captivating and memorable theater experience for young audiences.
Strawmoddie Theatre presents "The Night Watch", directed by Blair Flucker, featuring Commander Vimes in a time-travel adventure through a revolutionary Ankh-Morpork. The production showcases impressive performances, particularly by Chris Allan and Ben Blow, balanced with engaging set design and effective choreography, despite a lengthy runtime. Overall, a captivating homage to Pratchett.
"Everything/Nothing," performed by Alexis Rouvre at the Traverse Theatre, is a captivating family show that blends physical whimsy and impressive technical effects. Despite its marketing for younger audiences, some aspects may overwhelm sensitive viewers. Overall, Rouvre's masterful performance leaves a lasting impression, making it enjoyable for all ages.
