Fringe review: THE SCOT AND THE SHOWGIRL, Pleasance Dome
This year, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival sees the world premiere of an endearing love story about two people who met 28 years ago at Edinburgh Waverley train station.
The Scot and The Showgirl stars Tony Award-winner Frances Ruffelle (Les Miserables, Closer to Heaven) and West End star Norman Bowman (Mamma Mia, The Bodyguard). Together, they celebrate their unique romance with a fabulous live band, performing a tender yet playful jukebox song cycle. The repertoire includes everything from Brigadoon to Broadway classics, Sondheim with Costello, Bacharach, The Proclaimers, and many more. The fabulous arrangements are conceived by David Barber, with musical director Ryan McKenzie on piano, Kate Shortt on cello and David Kerr on drums.
From the start, the packed audience provides a nice buzzing energy for the pair, with confidence and showmanship oozing out Ruffelle and Bowman in spades. As expected, the pair have a great dynamic and chemistry with their voices complementing each other well. One thing is for sure, they know how to work a crowd! The concept of the 60-minute show is simple. They take us through their ‘perfectly imperfect’ relationship and the highs and lows that they have faced over 28 years, through song. That being said, the pace of the show does move rather quickly but on the whole, is easy enough to follow. The show has minimal dialogue with it being a song cycle, but the songs chosen communicate the story well nonetheless. The duet ‘Something Good’ from The Sound of Music is a captivating and loving performance by the pair. Additionally, Bowman’s solo of ‘A House is Not A Home’ moves many audience members to tears. In the end, the audience eagerly join in on a fun-filled rendition of ‘500 Miles,’ leaving everyone in high spirits.
Ultimately, The Scot and The Showgirl provides one hour of delightful entertainment. If you’re looking for a well-presented Fringe show, full of enjoyable moments and class talent, this is a show to add to your list!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Catriona Lamb
The Scot and The Showgirl plays on select dates until 26 August at 15:50 in the Queen Dome, Pleasance. For more info, please click here.