Fringe review: ALAN TURING - A MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY, Early Mornings Productions - Edinburgh Festival Fringe

You've probably heard the name Alan Turing before; a genius mind whose brilliant code breaking skills saved around fourteen million lives in World War 2. Alan Turing - A Musical Biography takes us on a journey through his life; from the loss of his closest friend, his romance with a fellow worker, the growing awareness of his homosexuality and the realisation of how to beat the Germans shaped his life.

Written by Joan Greening with music composed by Joel Goodman and Jan Osbourne, this production is packed with insightful information into who Alan Turing really was. On the whole, the musical numbers are not particularly memorable but they do fit in with the storytelling and move the narrative along at good pace.

Directed by Jane Miles, there are some nice moments and in particular we like that Turing's calculations are written out on the floor like a giant chalkboard. Rob Dyer’s lighting design also needs mentioning. The way that Turing is lit when he is sharing his inner thoughts makes the content more touching and heartfelt for the audience's focus.

Turing is played by Joe Bishop. His performance is a pure embodiment of the role and a delight to watch. Zara Cooke plays Andrea and multiple other roles including that of Joan Clarke, Turing's partner, which she plays with heartwarming resilience.

A wonderful theatrical insight into a great man's life.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

Alan Turing - A Musical Biography plays in Sanctuary at Paradise in Augustines at 10.50am until 19 August.