Fringe review: OSCAR AT THE CROWN, The Neon Coven - Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Photo credit: Pamela Raith

A secret bunker far in the fascist future, the only things to survive; sequins, reality television and the complete works of Oscar Wilde. Conceived by Neon Coven, a growing non-traditional creative collective, OSCAR at the Crown is an immersive nightclub musical telling the story of the rise and fall of a literary giant, and one of history’s most flamboyant figures, Oscar Wilde.

With set design by Andrew Exeter, the cast perform as they are moved around on podiums surrounded by audience who are encouraged to 'go anywhere you like'. The costumes and in fact the whole performance is like an eclectic combination of Six, We Will Rock You and The Rocky Horror Show.

Mark Mauriello (who created the piece) appears as Wilde, with Elizabeth Chalmers as his wife Constance Lloyd, and Jamie Cruttenden as his lover Lord Alfred 'Bosie' Douglas. It's hard to decide who has the most powerhouse of vocals between them, as each are so continuously impressive!

The choreography by Andrew Barret Cox is equally impressive, and we were truly blown away by the technicalities in the movements.

It's hard not to get caught up in the story and the music as it is just such an immersive piece. It's a show with a difference, that's for sure! So, get yourselves down to The Crown and Go Wilde!

Apocalyptically sexy!

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

OSCAR at the Crown plays in Spiegeltent Palais Du Variete at Assembly George Square Gardens at 9.40pm until 27 August.