“Tremendously Intelligent”
**** 4 Stars
As premises for a musical go, Public the musical must have the most unique, four strangers, Laura (Alicia Corrales), Andrew(Andrew Patrick-Walker), Zo (Annabel Marlow) and Finley (Hugo Rolland) find themselves caught short and pop into a Gender Neutral toilet. Only for the door to get jammed closed; leaving them locked inside for an hour. What follows is an hour long musical that explores themes of Identity, Connection and above all else human compassion in a tremendously intelligent fun pop show!
Kyla Stroud’s, Hannah Sands and Natalie Stroud’s writing is at the heart of this show that fuses together pop with hip hop much in the vein of “Hamilton” or “In the Heights” but adds a deeply compassionate understanding and at times lack of understanding on debate of equality, is it really that hard to use “They/Them” when some indentifies as such? This musical hits it on the head with its answer and that’s what makes it ultimately entertaining and truthful in equal measure.
Performances are universally excellent, with stunning vocals, especially Andrew Patrick-Walker who knows how to belt out a counter tenor falsetto line. It’s very much an ensemble piece although it does still feel like a work in development that we are getting a taste of but perhaps that’s part of the charm. Hannah Sands direction also has a deft touch to it being sure to never lean into over preaching its message. It really feels like we are seeing the cusp of a new generation of LGBTQI+ theatre makers with this show.
Tara Usher’s almost comic like Set delivers well especially under Catja Hamilton’s lighting design. All in All Public the musical holds a great deal of truth and honesty for us all and the audience gave it a well deserved standing ovation. It truly is a musical treat for any fringe goer.
Public The Musical, Pleasance Courtyard, Pleasance Two, (Venue 33) for Info go to: Public – The Musical | Musicals and Opera | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)
ScotsGay Arts 