Edinburgh Festival Fringe: Top musical and opera shows so far

Published on 10/08/2012 15:24

Our reviewers’ pick of the musical and opera shows at this year’s Fringe so far include cinematic dreams and a rich tapestry of song

The Picture House, The Space on North Bridge (Venue 36)

A charming and touching musical, set in a Yorkshire village, that tells the tale of a young couple whose dreams seem to have been realised when they revive the local cinema. But this is 1939, and although the picture house provides respite from the war, wife Penny is also left to run it single-handedly, and wonder for how long this will be the case.

What we said: “Right from the off – starting with its visually and musically memorable opening ensemble song Here In The Spotlight, which conjures up the glamour and romance of the movies – The Picture House beguiles the audience with its lovely ballads and catchy upbeat numbers, performed with piano, violin and drums. And when it’s not beguiling, it’s entertaining: the comedy song We’re The Soldier Rejects, sung by the motley crew of conspirators who want to take over the cinema, brought the house down on the show’s opening night.”

Until 18 August. Today, 6.20pm

Star rating: * * * *

A Tapestry of Many Threads, Dovecot (Venue 198)

A surprising, and successful, mix of opera and weaving, this celebration of Dovecot as a world-class tapestry studio sees singers pay tribute to Dovecot tapestries from the last 100 years, which are projected on to a large loom, with the aid of Tom Cunningham’s composition and Alexander McCall Smith’s libretto.

What we said: “Director Mark Hathaway adds to the feeling of joyful abandon with well-choreographed sequences in which the performers move across the upstairs balcony, around the tapestries and across the stage. Music, movement, poetry and singing bring the tapestries to life, conjuring up distant times and magical places.”

Until 15 August. 10 August, 6.30pm

Star rating: * * * *