Musical review: Sweet Talking Guy, Paradise in Augustine’s (Venue 152), Edinburgh

THERE’S some very accomplished singing in this 1960s-set jukebox musical from Meleddy Productions, but unfortunately the plot holding it all together is thinner than a skinny tie.

By ROGER COX

Published 24th Aug 2012, 16:11 BST

Sweet Talking Guy

Paradise in Augustine’s (Venue 152)

Star rating: * *

The action, such as it is, revolves around titular smooth-talker, Frankie – manager of two American pop groups trying to make a name for themselves in the UK – and his relationship with London-based record company PR girl Joanna.

Having barely said two words to each other, they fall in love (cue The Look of Love), then break up (cue Bye Bye Baby) and eventually get back together again (cue [The Best Part of] Breakin’ Up).

Eddie McDowell and Kat McKenzie emote like crazy when they’re singing, but as their characters barely exist outside the songs, their efforts are largely in vain.

• Until 27 August. Today 10:15pm.