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Fringe
MUSICAL 2008 |
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5
STARS |
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www.
one4review
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'Departure Lounge'
By Dougal Irvine
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 Last
years musical hit of the Fringe for me was 'Eurobeat - Almost
Eurovision' a big budget production now touring the UK prior to a
season in London’s West End. So far this Fringe I have been
totally wowed by a much smaller budgeted show with a cast of five,
two musicians and small select crew. West End International, Newpalm
Productions and Andy Barnes Productions present 'Departure Lounge' a
musical by Dougal Irvine.
In
Malaga airport we meet four lads returning home to receive their
exam results, prior to growing up, splitting up and having to go
their own ways. This holiday was a final celebration of their
friendship but just how has the past 7 days affected these close
friends?
J.B.
(Mike Shearer) tall, hunky and posh. J. B. seems to feel responsible
for Ross to the extent he almost mothers him. Is this because the
only person to even have noticed he is not at home is the family
Butler?
Pete
(Luke Kempner) at first glance Pete is a typical English yob, full
England football kit with tomato red burnt skin to clash. Pete has a
guilty secret, but a lads needs
come before friendship, don't they?
Jordan
(Stuart Matthew Price) always a hit with the girls, quieter than the
others, never gets too pissed but is prone to seeing things he
wishes he hadn't. Some would say the conscience of the gang.
Ross
(Tim Edwards) a bit of a mummies
boy let off the leash for the first time. Sadly although he meets
the love of his life Sophie, nothing happens because he is always
vomiting after drinking too much.
Finally
Sophie (Hayley Angel Wardle) the lass they meet on holiday.
 The
lads are stuck in the 'Departure
Lounge' on the way home when tempers flare and a few home truths are
aired. Told by both narrative and song the style of which changes
frequently. We see humour, pathos and tragedy.
Created
and written by Dougal Irvine who also plays guitar on stage with
Phil James who is also the musical director. Beautifully written
with an obvious insight to the
subject matter. This
show has a fresh rawness about it I have rarely seen since my first
visit to 'Saucy Jack and the Space Vixens' some Fringes ago. Many of
the musical numbers could stand alone and the melodies and words
linger till the next knockout song.
The
fact that this quartet of gorgeous young talented men fulfils the
requirements for any successful boyband in today’s almost cheesy
pop culture. must be a bonus. Poor Hayley as Sophie almost seems
incidental to the plot and is never on stage singing. They already
seem to have gained a small cult following. judging by the front row
who were singing along and gave the a standing ovation.
Despite
the basic set and some camembert moments I loved every
second of the show and would go back if given a chance. Look out for
the whole cast and creative team and look out Andrew Lloyd Webber.
Be
prepared to stand down the youngsters are coming.
*****
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Sheila
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Fringe Programme Page No
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P 169
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Company
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West End International, Newpalm Productions
and Andy Barnes P. P.
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Venue Name and Number
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Musical Theatre @ George
Sq V37
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Dates and Times
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August 4th to
25th 21-00 22-15
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press at one4review.co.uk
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