Gilded Balloon, Patter Hoose
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Time for something a little different!
Bowjangles describe themselves as "genre-spanners"; It's difficult to define exactly what it is they do. Part music, part comedy, all theatre; Bowjangles bring together a mix of talents in a unique and highly entertaining way.
Not being familiar with the award-winning string-quartet previously, I booked the show simply because I was drawn to the title: 'Dracula in Space'. Two things I'm fascinated by and are sure to get my attention: vampires and space!
I didn't really expect there to be a story about Dracula in space; I though there may be a hint of an eerie theme at most, as the backdrop to a classical musical concert... But, oh joy! Not only was there a story, but Bowjangles presented a full epic horror and sci-fi caper which incorporated their beautiful music alongside an original and inspired script. There were costumes! There was the most ingenious use of props! And once I got over the shock and delight at what I was witnessing, I grinned from start to finish.
Their razor-sharp humour is exactly up my street; and their skill and musicianship is outstanding. Not only do they play; but they do it whilst dancing, whilst acting; whilst teasing each other, and with a seemingly endless inventory of music puns. The staging too is great; the lighting in particular is wonderfully effective at adding drama and focus to each scene. It's remarkable what they have managed to achieve in a one hour fringe show.
Dracula in Space is a love letter to classic horror films and their iconic scores, but at its heart is camaraderie. There are powerful examples of women's empowerment hidden within the narrative, and it was great to hear the audience cheer for each win. But it's all done in a playful, good-natured manner; there is no doubting the true friendship and chemistry that exists between the group.
Many Edinburgh Fringe productions describe themselves as 'hilarious' in an attempt to get audiences through the doors. This one truly is hilarious. And not only that, but it is backed by brilliant music, wickedly sharp jokes. And Dracula. In Space!!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ezme Gaze comments: Bowjangles started in 2008 as a busking group, then our movements got a bit more choreographed, and over the years we also started singing and acting. We never set out to be funny, but we do seem to make people laugh. We’re marking our anniversary with an out-of-this-world production which brings to life an intergalactic horror.
Bowjangles Company
Ezme Gaze
Bertie Anderson Haggart
Oliver Izod
Mitch McGugan
When and Where?
Dates: Wednesday 2nd – Sunday 27th August 2023, 16:30
Running Time: 1 hour
Location: Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose (Doonstairs), 3 Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1HT
Tickets available from gildedballoon.co.uk
Weekday: £14 (£12.50) Weekend: £15 (£13.50)
Notes: Ages 12+
📸 Photo credit: Annika Bloch
About Bowjangles Music
Writer: Oliver Izod
Composer: Bertie Anderson Haggart
Bowjangles Company: Ezme Gaze, Bertie Anderson Haggart, Oliver Izod, Mitch McGugan.
REVIEW - Bowjangles: Dracula in Space (Music, comedy, Theatre, Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023)
🎟️ Disclosure: I am an Edinburgh Festival Fringe accredited media reviewer and as such I receive complimentary press tickets in exchange for my honest reviews. My reviews and star ratings are always my honest opinions.
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