***** (5 stars)
“Stunningly Beautiful”
Edinburgh based Captivate Theatre have now become stalwarts of the Edinburgh Fringe over the last decade and 2026 sees the company reveal a new mature side to their program of shows as they bring the debut production of the critically acclaimed smash hit musical “Dear Evan Hansen” to Fringe in a production that’s both stunningly beautiful and powerfully performed by the best ensemble cast that are west end stars one and all.
Dear Evan Hansen, with music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul and book by Steven Levenson is a generational redefining show that tells the Story of Evan Hanson a high school senior with social anxiety who invents a role for himself in a tragedy that has shaken his town to the core. It’s an emotional and painful tale of those left behind following a suicide as well how easy it is for the smallest of lies to snowball into a situation that can take anyone of us to the edge.
Captivate Artistic Director Sally Lyall has put together the most extraordinarily talented ensemble casts on this year’s Fringe with all the main characters alternating the lead roles across the run and there is not a weak link between them, this is most flawless set of performances you will see at the festival. Special mention must go to Alex Fraser as “Evan” who delivers a performance that comes from the heart, he imbues Evan with heart wrenching vulnerability that’s totally capturing to watch. The same is true of Hazel Beattie as Evan’s mother Heidi with powerhouse vocals and an utterly breath-taking acting ability that sees her every emotion soar around the ballroom this is a actor of pure west end caliber.
Lyall has brought a production that’s truly stripped back with the professional productions virtual elements removed and replaced by inventive use of a simple set and polished choreography from Danielle Logan who clever weaves American sign language throughout the show. The Cherry on this spectacular is musical director Emily Paterson’s eight strong pit band.
Emotional, powerful and beautifully performed this is the sleeper hit of the 2026 Fringe Festival and a real tribute to the power of musical theatre to not only entertain but educate Captivate Theatre have harnessed the truth heart of this musical a deliver a show which will linger long in the memory of all who see it! This is one show which will sell out and deservedly so.
Dear Evan Hansen, Assembly Rooms, Ball Room Venue 20, Runs until 16th August for more information and tickets go to: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dear-evan-hansen
ScotsGay Arts 