Ed Fringe 2010: Piramania – C Venues
Writer: David Massingham & Tim Frost
Director: James Kermack
Choreographer: Racky Plews
Reviewer: John Roberts
The Public Reviews Rating: 
I have had the misfortune over the last few years of sitting in world premieres of new musicals, that lack any sort of creative flair, songs that you can’t sing along to, poorly written lyrics, and a concept that would make a Tracey Emin installation look like the Sistine Chapel …so it is with a huge sigh of relief that Piramania is not only witty it is full to the brim with creative genius.
Ok the plot may not be the strongest, in one short hour we are subject to Pirate Incest, A murder Mystery, A love story and a good old search for pirate treasure, but writers Massingham and Frost have weaved so much wit and flair into their musical that you can’t leave the theatre without a huge grin on your face.
Kermack’s staging is simple – just a few staging blocks become the ship, the galley, a cave and it is through this simplicity that the show is able to come alive through a highly energetic ensemble who are clearly loving every single moment.
Outstanding performances come from Tom Allen look and sound-a-like Gareth Jameson as the Shows Narrator – he has the quick quips to keep everything under control, Anna Brook-Mitchell is a delight as the Welsh Pirate Eyes and never fails to wow the audience with her fantastic comic timing and sensational voice, Charlie Swan has defiantly found his calling after spending seven years as a city lawyer his portrayal of Captain Ageshy was sensational.
This is a production that doesn’t take itself too seriously and is quite possibly one of the best new pieces of Musical Theatre I have seen in recent years – if Massingham & Frost continue creating shows of this calibre then British Musical Theatre is well and truly in safe hands!
Tags: Anna Brook-Mitchell, C Venues, Charlie Swan, David Massingham, Edinburgh, Gareth Jameson, James Kermack, Musical, Piramania, Racky Plews, Tim Frost
