Review: Apple of my Eye, Steve Jobs musical, Edinburgh Fringe 2023

Lisa in the theatre
Aug 14, 2023
2 min read

Updated: Aug 8

Apple of My Eye ★★★★☆

review: Paradise in Augustines (Paradise Green) | Edinburgh Festival Fringe August 2023

'Apple of my eye' is a one-man musical telling the life-story of Apple founder, Steve Jobs. From his early life and his personal struggles with his own adoption, through to his business start-ups and ultimately global-success with Apple, this musical shines a light on a man deemed a genius by some and hated by others.

Early on we learn that Steve believed 'Simple, with minimal design', to be the height of sophistication. And that is mirrored in the staging of this production. There is no superfluous set or dressing. There are 4 raised iMacs centre stage, and they are all that is needed to deliver an impressive, high-tech display. I honestly don't know how they did it; I can barely get one screen to do what I want! But here the 4 screens act as a calendar, add colour and interest to the songs, play video clips and display photos... All at the right times and in the right sequences. Someone at Early Morning Productions is a tech wiz!

Fronted by Stephen Smith as Steve Jobs, it's barely plausible that 1 man and 4 computers alone on a stage can be so engaging. But as with their other production, Alan Turing: A Musical Biography, the lighting and the sound are impeccable, and add so much depth and interest to the scene.

Smith is terrific as Steve Jobs. He has his confidence, his coldness, his arrogance down to a tee. I was fascinated to learn more of Jobs' personal story, and incredulous at his achievements and success. As poised a speaker and presenter as he was, would Jobs have been able to deliver a TED-talk on his own life, whilst manipulating 4 computers, and singing at the same time? I doubt it. Stephen Smith is unflappable.

With great songs, a magnificent performance, and genuinely remarkable tech, Apple of my eye showcases the workings of a man in pursuit of perfection. If you are at all interested in the history of the iPhone that you perhaps have in your pocket, then please go along and support this show. They tell feasibly the greatest business start-up story of all time, with fidelity, wit, and in a musical! ★★★★☆