Edinburgh Fringe: Departure Lounge – Paradise in Augustine’s
Writer: Dougal Irvine
Director: Sally Rapier
Reviewer: Deborah Klayman
The Public Reviews Rating: 
Four years after it premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe, Dougal Irvine’s coming of age musical seems to be as popular as ever. Anyone who has ever travelled with Ryanair and been delayed knows the tedium of the bleak waiting areas, but with a strong cast and catchy songs Departure Lounge will keep you entertained for the duration. Although the subject matter is far from groundbreaking – four friends recounting tales of their boozy boys week in Malaga – the relationships are nicely drawn and the performances slick and assured.
While on their holiday the boys encountered Sophie (Hayley Hampson), a Liverpool lass who likes to have a good time, but were so drunk they struggle to remember the events of the past few days. Each of the boys has something he is keeping from the others, and in flashbacks their interactions with Sophie begin to fill in the blanks and reveal some of the secrets underpinning the story.
Arranged for just two guitars the music is surprisingly diverse, with many of the numbers in very different styles. The performers’ voices gel together well and their harmonies are spot on, while each brings an exuberant physicality to the piece, working in laddish play-fighting and splendid slapstick. Michael Fletcher gives a particularly memorable performance as Pete – effortlessly transitioning from comedy to vulnerability, his rendition of “Picture Book” was heartfelt and genuinely moving. Jamie Barnard (Jordan) showcases the top of his range in the ensemble numbers and Hampson’s solo number was a true delight. Bright, energetic and thoughtful this is a musical that is bound to take off.
Photo John Garfield-Roberts
Until 19th August.
Edinburgh Fringe: Departure Lounge – Paradise in Augustine’s,
Tags: 2012, Departure Lounge, Dougal Irvine, Edinburgh Fringe, Glenn Adamson, Hayley Hampson, Jamie Barnard, Joshua Meredith, Michael Fletcher, Musical Theatre, Paradise in Augustines, Richard Reeday, Sally Rapier
12:58 am on August 18th, 2012
Saw the show for 2nd time at the 2012 Fringe but have now seen it 5 times since 2004! But as much as have always enjoyed the show, this years cast have been by far the best and that goes for this years production. It’s slicker, the characters seem to be brought to life more ie: their more believeable. Also the choreography was better than any seen in the past. Good luck with the rest of the rin gys and hope to see you in Norwich soon.!
Would throughly recommend this as a MUST SEE show!
Hilary & Sam xxxxxx