**** 4 Stars
“ Pure Comedy Joy !“
Life long friends Alan Cumming and Forbes Masson came to prominence in the 80’s as Victor and Barry two Kelvinside men with a blistering array of comedy and songs. While Victor and Barry never got there break in TV the characters were effectively turned into Sebastian Flight (Cumming) and Steve McCracken (Masson) for six legendary episodes of the 1995 modern comedy classic “The High Life”
The High Life takes viewers inside the world of Air Scotia and its staff as Steve and Sebastian do battle with Hitler in tights Shona Spurtle (Siobhan Redmond) the purser and the clearly insane Captain Hilary Duff (Patrick Ryecart) it was a mix of slapstick, observation and clever repartee along with the most catchy theme tune that made the High Life a comedy treasure for a generation.
Now following a 30-year delay Steve and Sebastian along with Shone and Captain Duff are back! In a brand-new musical which is pure comedy joy. Coproduced by the National Theatre of Scotland, Dundee Rep and in association with Capital Theatres and Aberdeen Performing Arts, and featuring a Story, script and Lyrics by Cumming, Masson and Johnny McNight and Directed by Andrew Panton, Air Scotia is under threat of complete closure, but can our boys save the airline, there jobs as well as sorting out the demented Captain Duff? The audience find out as they go along on a genius comedy ride and yes that catchy theme tune is back too.
The High Life delivers in spades in world that has moved on across the three decades, but Cumming and Masson reflect this in there older but not wiser characters which still fit into a modern Scotland. The show holds a mirror up to where we are now compared to 1995 and while Scotland is a changed land the humour remains timeless, and the songs give more depth that was ever possible before.
Performances are excellent with Cumming and Masson in terrific form especially when delivering selected moments from the original tv show and the cries of “oh dearie me” and they shine brightly as they perform the frothy songs with Glee. The entire principal cast are faultless as one would expect but so too are the 7 strong ensemble who help flesh out the story wonderfully well. There are great comedy chops all around. The show however does loose its way slightly in the overly long second act, but you can’t help being charmed by it none the less.
Director Andrew Panton has rediscovered the true heart of The High Life and retooled it for today’s generation to great success. The show also features sharp chorography from Emily-Jane Boyle. Production wise the show is a real charmer Colin Richmond’s Set and Costume design is on point using great creativity to bring the air scotia Boeing aircraft to life in the confines of the Festival Theatre Stage. Grant Anderson’s Lighting design is bang on the money as is Tom Penney’s sound design although the mics could be turned up a little at the start.
The High Life the Musical really is still living it and recaptures the magic of the original and sure isn’t a load of pif paf pof and is proving to be a smash hit with tickets in extremely short supply and believe me a joyous comedy night out awaits those who have successfully got a boarding pass! So what you waiting for! step aboard a Boeing going high and live the High Life once more yourself! Wonderful stuff!
The High Life, The Musical, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, Runs until Saturday 11th April for more information and tickets go to: The High Life – Capital Theatres
The Production will tour Dundee, Aberdeen, Inverness and Glasgow!
ScotsGay Arts 