Fringe review: WHO DO YA LOVE?, Assembly George Square Studios
Photo credit: Alex Brenner
Who Do Ya Love? takes us back to 1970s Miami, following KC (Fionán O’Carroll) as he navigates life fresh out of college with his friends Dee (Paige Fenlon) and Gina (Annabelle Terry). The show opens with an upbeat musical number, quickly establishing the era with disco songs, peace signs, and vibrant costumes that capture the colourful spirit of the 70s. While the show succeeds in setting the scene, it falls short in delivering a cohesive and engaging narrative.
The musical seems to poke fun at the usual tropes of the genre but doesn't offer a fresh take or solution to them. This leaves the audience with a sense of missed opportunity, as the show lacks the depth and innovation needed to elevate it beyond a basic homage to the era. The sound issues that plague the performance from the start—uneven sound levels, microphones that are too loud for singing and too quiet for dialogue—only add to the overall disjointed experience. The diction of some actors further hampers the delivery, making it difficult to fully engage with the story.
The choreography, while not groundbreaking, is well executed, and it's refreshing to see the cast bring attitude and energy to their performances. However, Paige Fenlon's portrayal of Dee falls a little flat, with her character remaining one-dimensional throughout the show. This lack of character development, coupled with an overly enthusiastic and preachy tone, makes parts of the performance feel more like a children's musical than a nuanced piece of theatre. The reliance on exposition rather than allowing the audience to read between the lines detracts from the overall impact.
The story touches on various themes—KC's music career, his sexual orientation, friendships, and love interests—but never fully commits to exploring any of them in depth. This lack of focus results in a narrative that feels scattered and unsatisfying. There are moments of potential, particularly in Peter Camilleri’s performance as Orly, which injects some much-needed energy into the show. However, the standout is Annabelle Terry as Gina, who brings consistency and believability to her role. Her solo, ‘I Want To Be There’, is a highlight, showcasing her strong vocals and adding a touch of emotional depth to an otherwise lacklustre plot.
The show attempts to emphasise the importance of friendship towards the end, but since this bond was never truly established or developed throughout the narrative, the conclusion feels rushed and lacks emotional resonance. As a result, the audience is left indifferent to the outcome, with little reason to invest in the characters' fates.
In summary, Who Do Ya Love? offers a nostalgic nod to the 70s, but fails to deliver a compelling story or meaningful character development. While there are some strong performances and catchy tunes, the overall experience is underwhelming, leaving the audience wishing for a more cohesive and impactful show.
** Two stars
Reviewed by: Beatriz Do O
Who Do Ya Love? plays at Assembly George Square Studios until 25 Aug, with further info here.