Stages of My Life sees Australian-based singer and songwriter Alan Western tell the story of his life in showbusiness through drama and song. It is a one-man show and, through the use of hats and other basic props, the performer becomes the other characters that feature in his tale - from his first choir-master to a West Indian big-band leader.

The story begins with the singer's childhood in London and progresses, via a number of humorous anecdotes about the numerous exotic female loves of his life, through highs and lows. He constantly struggles to earn enough money through singing and needs to return repeatedly to jobs in sales where, free of financial constraints, he can dedicate the evenings to his true love of entertainment.

The story is punctuated with songs sung over a pre-recorded backing tape. The first half of the show is dominated by self-penned songs written at the time; songs from major musicals make up most of the rest. The original music works slightly better, as it was written at the time of the events being discussed and carries real emotional clout - no more so than when he is talking about his wife, and breaks away to sing a love song written for her. The musical numbers, while expertly sung, lack this personal touch and are too familiar to stir emotion.

Ultimately the show is about the act of performing, and the singer's repeated mantra of 'sing well and make people happy' is never far away. Moving from London to Manchester and, finally, to Australia he so nearly achieves the big time - but remains teetering on the brink of stardom. The conclusion is left open-ended, but gives real hope and inspiration for those who wish to follow their dreams rather than live their lives 9 to 5.

Alan Western is a talented and versatile performer and his story, while verging on the prosaic in parts, successfully keeps attention over the hour. His voice is strong and his singing is flawless throughout. His passion and warmth for music is infectious and his acting abilities, while slightly weaker than the rest of the show, are competent enough.

The set successfully recreates the look of a slightly shabby dressing room which cleverly also means that all constume changes can be made on stage. This really helps maintain momentum which may otherwise have been lost if the solo performer had to keep leaving the stage. A slick performance from start to finish.

Cast Credits: Alan Western - Performer.

Company Credits: mWriter / Director - Alan Western. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer / Company - Alan Western.

END

(c) David Hepburn 2008

reviewed Thursday 14 August 2008 / The Vault, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com