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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Old Time Music Hall
Verdict: Gives what it promises
Edinburgh 06 - C too - 12-19 August 06 – 14:20 (1:30)
Old Time Music Hall gives what it promises. The songs vary from It's A Long, Long Way To Tipperary to A Nightingale Sang In Berkley Square. More surprisingly, the cast vary from ages around 8 to close to 80. The comedian is apparently 78. His material isn't much younger. But, to be fair, mother-in-law gags fit the era that the Oxford Music Hall Company is trying to recreate.
Through most of the show, the pace keeps fast. It moves between favourites in the chorus, with Chairman, Richard Russell bringing on soloists with a quick quip.
A number of the soloists get a great chance to show off terrific voices - and others, opportunities to demonstrate their acting skill. There is Wendy Lewis's Warthog Song, her duet - competing for audience attention - with Andrew Moore; and Barbara Denton's soulful Nobody Loves A Fairy When She's Forty.
The non-singing parts slightly let the side down. The concept of a sketch The Master And The Maid is humorous, along with a dinner party piece, but both last too long - and try to draw out limited humour too thinly.
Costumes are colourful and fun, adding to the overall spectacle. It isn't going to convert a new audience, but it’s good old-fashioned fun - the whole music hall experience.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Singers: Barbara Denton. Clare Denton. Eleanor Fanyinka. Wendy A Lewis. Ellen Moore. Andrew Moore. Naomi Moore. Thomas Whitecross. Chairman - Richard Russell. Comedian - Robert Cambrey. Musical Director - Mark Denton.
Company Credits: Ushers - Stuart Lewes, Diana Moore. Production Manager - Sophie Reynolds. Producer - Barbara Denton. Company - Oxford Music Hall Company.
END
(c) Gill Smith 2006
reviewed Thursday 17 August 06 / C too
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
