Ok I know the world is going a little crazy, but when life imitates art, or is it art imitating life, it gets a little too much even for me.

Anyone who knows me knows I’m a bit of a saddo where music is concerned. Yes I actually watch “The Eurovision Song Contest” and the two qualifying rounds, pen and pencil in hand giving each performance marks, but when watching the superb “Eurobeat Almost Eurovision” did the final results have to be quite so similar???  Russia winning, with my beloved Greece in third place (I demand a recount!!!)  

We are welcomed to Sarajevo in the heartland of Bosnia Herzegovina by Boyka ex-Olympian turned TV presenter and her co-host Sergei. Sergei’s claim to fame is that he presents the countries only children’s TV show daily, this is his first opportunity to show his adult side?! Between the two of them they present the top songs from 10 Eurovision Countries, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Russia, Sweden and the UK.  Not that there weren’t others who entered, but they were not fit for audience consumption. The song presented by each of the above countries display remnants of what are the best and worst efforts from past contests. Without being told what country each specific performance originates it is easily guessed by looking at the costumes, listening to the tune and the lyrics who is who. This is a brilliantly observed and presented premise with little comedic additions surreptitiously included in each segment.  In my opinion all bar one of these offerings could win the traditional original contest.

The cast of performers on stage are some of the brightest and best we have seen together for some time, this basic core of 14 who perform all the songs from the ten different countries along with the technical team and stage management are joined by various front men (and women) giving the show completely different flavours throughout.

During Edinburgh, and previously in Glasgow the stunning, vivacious Sally Lindsay as Boyka is joined by the debonair and, dare I actually say it, sexy Craig Hill. Kiltless for once, Mr Hill is gorgeous in his white suit rivalling some of the sexy lycra and spandex clad dancers he introduces.  In this combination we have a well respected actress who proves she can do comedy with the best and a Scottish comedy genius getting to display his acting ability.

Eurobeat has been a resounding success in Australia where it was created by Craig Christie and Andrew Patterson. It also scored a cult following during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007 and has now started a UK tour prior to assaulting London’s West End, where, I thing it should do great business. As for the cult following thing, well, Geoff and I were not the only people in the audience wearing costumes referring to the nation we were following. You are encouraged to purchase flags, clappers, horns, badges and make as much noise in encouragement as possible. We also get to keep our mobiles on to vote for our chosen winner. It is theoretically possible to have a different winner each night.

Eurobeat does not take itself seriously (most of the time) and is a complete mickey-take of an institution which is sadly loosing popularity. If anything “Eurobeat Almost Eurovision” has much more of the original spirit of the event than it’s almost outmoded inspiration.

With a well-written lib, which produces several songs you just can’t get out of your head, superb choreography, a mix of both kitsch camp costumes and some superb haut-couture, this is an ideal night out for a great time whether you actually like the original or not.  Get the CD, T-Shirts, bags, mugs etc either at the venues or on line at www.eurobeatthemusical.com

A final message for Craig Christie and Andrew Patterson get working on some new songs because I suspect most of the audiences will be left wanting more, more, more!

Edinburgh Festival Theatre, 2^nd to 7^th June 2008.  

Eurobeat Almost Eurovision Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2007

Eurobeat Almost Eurovision  2008  UK Tour Cast

Sarah Boulton, Emma Brooke, Sarah Cahalarn, Emma Cannon, Adam Charles Hills, Mairi Cowieson, Scott Graham, Lewis Griffiths,Natasha Jayetileke, Arvid Larsen, Kay Murphy, Craig Perry, Sergio Priftis and Carl Stallwood.