‘Un-decided: A Musical Misadventure’ Edinburgh Fringe Review

‘fresh, funny, and full of surprises!’

Un-decided: A Musical Misadventure is an inventive and enjoyable addition to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival by Durham University Musical Theatre Troupe. Performed at The Space from 19th-24thAugust, this show offers a unique experience in which the audience is given the power to dictate the night’s musical journey, deciding which classic musical theatre characters find themselves in the wrong song, creating the opportunity for many different combinations in a hilarious sequence of unexpected performances. By the end of the night, the audience must select a favourite character who earns the right to ‘escape’—a twist that adds a fun competitive edge to the evening, and an enticement to return to see what happens differently the next night.

This concept allows the team to showcase their versatile talent. The cast demonstrates their ability to master a wide variety of songs—many of which are far outside their characters’ typical genres. This is made even more impressive by the fact they won’t end up in the same song every night and thus must be prepared for anything! The cast are not only skilled vocalists but also excellent actors, maintaining character while delivering songs that are usually a very different tone and style. For example, Misha Joshi as Wednesday Addams delivered a delightfully uncomfortable version of the normally bright and sunny ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie, exactly as her character would if trapped in that song. Charlie Holliday similarly embodies the character of Maria Von Trapp impeccably.

Misha Joshi’s choreography is full of clever comedic timing—again it must be emphasised that this will be different every night, making the entire production all the more interesting, and highlighting the immense talent of the cast and crew to be able to pull off this challenging concept.

Despite the limitations a small venue may provide, the team have used this space in an immersive and intimate way that draws the audience into the performance. The closeness of the venue is thus transformed into an asset, making us feel like an integral part of the show and playing into the ‘Choose-Your-Own Musical (Mis)Adventure’ concept. The immersive nature of the production is only further enhanced by the lighting (Amy Rettke-Grover),  which keeps on cue with comedic timing and holds the audience’s attention.

The live keyboard accompaniment adds a cabaret-like atmosphere to the show, enhancing the overall quality of spontaneity and fun like that which you might experience at an open-mic night, whilst Rory Maguire as the Emcee guides us through the evening with ease and hilarity.

One of the Tuesday evening’s particularly memorable moments is Francesca Horgan as Matilda’s rendition of “Defying Gravity.” To take on such a challenging song in the childlike voice of Matilda and maintain that characterisation whilst delivering such a powerful performance was nothing short of astonishing. Equally impressive is George Cass as Sweeney Todd’s ability to seamlessly transition through vastly different songs—from “I Know Him So Well” to the fierce energy of “Candy Store”. The ability to adapt so effortlessly to different genres and keep such high-quality characterisation is truly a testament to the cast’s skill and versatility. Every cast member shines and, with each performance being unique, there is no doubt they will shine in different ways every time!

Un-decided: A Musical Misadventure is a highly entertaining and innovative show that promises a unique experience each night. The audience is full of laughter, the talent on display is exceptional, and the concept is well executed. Every performance will differ from the one before and it is clear that whichever version you see will be just as entertaining and impressive. This production is fresh, funny, and full of surprises!

By Bee Wilkes.

Un-decided: A Musical Misadventure runs until the 24th of August, at 22:50, theSpace on the Mile, Space 1.