Fringe Fantasmic! & Anthems

Aug 10 2017 | By More

★★★☆☆    Family Fun

St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church (Venue 111): Tue 8 – Fri 11 Aug 2017
Review by Sarah Moyes

The biggest songs from much loved musicals and movies shine in this double bill from Edinburgh Music Theatre, at St Andrew’s & St George’s West Church on George Street.

The first of the two shows, Fringe Fantasmic, is filled with an array of classic and current songs chosen for the whole family to enjoy. The second show, Anthems – The Movie Musicals, is a mix of big ballads and stunning showstoppers from some classic musicals.

Belle from Fringe Fantasmic. Photo: EMT

For Fringe Fantasmic, Belle from Beauty and the Beast is the perfect opening number given the recent success of the live action adaption, and Emma McFarlane is superb is her portrayal of the much-loved Disney character.

There are some great sing-a-long moments during the show, and Alex Kantor’s rendition of King of The Swingers from The Jungle Book is hugely entertaining with audience members giving their best monkey impressions as the company run through the seats.

You could almost hear a pin drop as Ashley Grandison gives a beautiful performance of Once Upon A December from Anastasia accompanied by the ensemble in one of the show’s highlights. There are also songs from High School Musical, Aladdin and Tangled which do a good job of keeping the younger members of the audience happy.

talent

Anthems – The Movie Musicals hits off with songs from Rent, Cabaret and Sound of Music while Anita Okiendo’s version of I Have Nothing from the more recent musical The Bodyguard shows of the talent of the local musicals company.

One from Anthems – The Movie Musicals. Photo: EMT

The big company numbers are some of the best in the show from the catchy Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat from next May’s EMT production, Guys and Dolls, to a stomping One from Chorus Line accompanied by a range of glittery top hats.

The live band is a much welcome addition to the performances, even though there are a few moments during both shows when it can be difficult to make out the singers.



Edinburgh Musical Theatre provide two hugely entertaining shows that are likely to have the whole family singing along as they take you on a trip down musical memory lane.

Both shows play St Andrew’s and St George’s West, 13 George Street, EH2 2PA (Venue 111) from Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 August 2017

Fringe Fantasmic
Running time: 50 minutes
Daily: 7.10pm.
Tickets & Details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/fringe-fantasmic

Anthems – The Movie Musicals
Running time: 50 minutes
Daily: 8.40pm.
Tickets & Details: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/anthems-the-movie-musicals

Edinburgh Music Theatre website: http://edinburghtheatre.co.uk
Facebook: edinburghmusictheatre
Twitter: @EdMusicTheatre

ENDS

 

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  1. Stephanie says:

    You couldn’t hear the singers at all except Seasons of Love because the brass had to be quiet. I love brass and big band but not when it’s the detriment of a company and not loving the new MD of EMT.
    Also, two shows and the same soloists over and over… Over half the ensemble must be bored off their faces sitting in the corner swaying.