***** (5 stars)
“Enormous fun!”
It helps that I’m a huge fan of both the Princess Diaries and the Princess Switch[es – all three films] but even if you knew nothing about any of these, you’d still have a wonderfully uproarious time in this show.
Many in the sell-out audience are obviously huge fans of Awkward Productions’s shows, and know exactly what to expect – topical references, parodic songs, and extreme audience participation. [Warning: if you’re a shrinking violet, do not accept an invitation to play a part in the show! If you don’t mind, or actively love, being the centre of an enthusiastic crowd’s attention, grab the opportunity with both hands…]
Swedonia is a fictional country bearing not a little resemblance to the home of IKEA. The King has just died, and we are at his funeral. His widow, politicians, and other notables address us via videoconference links before there is a shocking announcement. Prince Elian cannot inherit the crown unless he marries before midnight on Midsummer’s Eve, only two weeks away: if he fails to do this, the crown will pass to the neighbouring kingdom of Finlandia. Elian is, of course, an extremely fit prince, but he can’t find anyone who pleases him. He doesn’t have to marry a woman <phew!> but he meets many potential partners without a single spark flying between them.
Meanwhile, in New York City, Aaron Butcher, a baker, is still reeling from his break-up with the heartless Jakob while trying to make a success of his father’s bakery. His bestie and assistant Jenny, a very feisty puppet, has been bombarding the Queen of Swedonia with messages which result in an invitation to go to Swedonia and bake the royal wedding cake. Aaron’s reluctant to – he’s never left New York – but decides he’ll go when his ex turns up at the shop and namedrops his latest lover.
After a delightfully convoluted journey, Aaron arrives in Swedonia, where an accidental encounter with Prince Elian does not go well – can you guess what happens next…?
The story is delightfully told by Linus Karp and Joseph Martin, with the help of their ASM, some lovely people on video, and the many willing and enthusiastic audience members who gamely brave the unknown and act out everyone else in the tale. There are two charming horses, some decidedly dodgy orphans, a giggling priest, a seemingly innocuous doppelgänger, a suggestive sauna scene, a fleeting deer, and much much more. Special credit must be given to the two volunteers who put their hearts and souls into becoming the bass and keyboard players for BAAB, a group bearing an uncanny resemblance to a Eurovision-winning foursome from some years ago: and to the musician – credited as Leland – who produced their wonderfully derivative medley of songs and the ever-sillier verses of the Swedonian national anthem.
It’s not in the least surprising that the whole performance was greeted with loud and loving laughter, nor that the entire audience rose to its feel to salute the cast for their absolutely fabulous [darling] sell-out show – and roared all the louder to learn that Linus and Joseph tied the knot this morning.
The show blurb promises that The fit prince would be queer, chaotic, comedic and heartfelt – it was all this and more. A perfect way to spend a Saturday [or any] afternoon celebrating the joy of being oneself, out, proud, alive, and loving.The fit prince, (who gets switched on the square in the frosty castle the night before (insert public holiday here), Beyond at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33) for more information go to: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-fit-prince-who-gets-switched-on-the-square-in-the-frosty-castle-the-night-before-insert-public-holiday-here
ScotsGay Arts 