Head Over
Wheels
Morpheus Theatre Productions
C Too @ 16:30, Aug 2-27 (not 13), (50mins), £6.50 (£5.50),
£7.50 (£6.50), £8.50 (£7.50)
***
This
group of ‘mixed ability actors’ bring their first show to
the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with gusto and verve. The group consists
of five able bodied actors and two wheelchair users, accompanied by
two musicians, although the musical talent within the company is not
restricted to those appointed to the role of instrumentalists, as a
number of them grab instruments from time to time when their fellows
burst into song.
The piece, devised by the company, deals with a group of friends as
they prepare to complete their respective university courses and the
wide variety of personal and social issues affecting their lives. It
is enormously refreshing that these issues don’t focus on disability,
driving home the company’s ethos that this is an irrelevance.
Centred in the pub as they await their education’s conclusion,
the friends manage their differences and handle revelations in their
discursive preparations to go their separate ways. Sexuality, dating,
religion, social acceptance, fetishes and even hairy backs become topics
here leaving few stones unturned as the friends comes to terms with
themselves and each other.
The great joy of this show shines through in the many musical numbers
that spring to life throughout. Funny and engaging, these songs bring
the characters to life exposing a fantastic wit and energy that occasionally
lies dormant during the inter-linking spoken scenes. At times some of
the generic characterisations feel a little forced and uncomfortable
but this is easily forgiven each time the music strikes up and the great
skill and vigour of the group gets a true opportunity to glow. With
tasty lyrical treats and a bouncy wry score this fresh musical comedy
comes into its own and raises the bar for their aspiring peers. Most
of all, the humour of this show is tremendously enticing, it’s
full of joyous little comic surprises and delivered with great zest
and an exciting twinkle in the eye.
In this, their first Fringe outing, Morpheus Theatre Productions show
off not only some great talents, creative skill and admirable energy
but also prove that they have enormous potential for the future. Undoubtedly
ones to watch.
by
Ian Phillips
The
National Student's
2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
coverage is supported by
