Fanatical, Playground Theatre | Review

Wednesday 14 November 2018


Fanatical
Playground Theatre 
Reviewed on Thursday 13th November 2018 by Olivia Mitchell 
★★★

Set at a sci-fi convention for fictional show, Angel8, original musical Fanatical looks at fan culture, the influence of role models and the importance of being passionate. 

Originally a comic, Angel8 has been made into a tv series which has gained a cult following. OG fan Trix, wants to celebrate the show and prove the power of the fans so she puts on a convention featuring cosplay competitions, an art hall and a special guest speech by Angel8 creator, Scott Furnish. However, a no show from the creator, a journalist snooping round and some budding romances mean there's more to the convention than meets the eye.

Matt Board's music is witty and catchy from the get go, with When The Internet Was Young, reminiscing about the days of dial-up and setting the tone for this upbeat, heartfelt musical. We are quickly introduced to a number of quirky characters whose commitment to Angel8 is commendable and something I'm sure we can all relate to on some level.


As convention creator Trix, Suanne Braun is suitably caffeinated and passionate, with her act 2 solo, Any Moment Now gaining laugh after laugh. Stephen Frost is hard but worn as writer, Scott Furnish, but also hints at a softer side which makes him a likeable character who, at his core is a fan like everyone else. Eddy Payne gives a humourous performance as Baxter who's lovestruck with his former babysitter, Andra. 

Sophie Powles is wonderful as Andra,  with her beautiful voice and sweet performance really standing out. Andra is well rounded and goes through a nice character arc as she begins to embody the superhero she's always looked up to; mention must go to Sophie's lovely performance of Spoiler Alert. As undercover reporter and love interest for Andra, Tim Rogers does a great job as Craig. 

The rest of the convention goers and staff are brought to life by the fabulous trio, Amber Sylvia Edwards (Jillian), Theodore Crosby (Bernard) and Amy Lovatt (Lizette) who sleekly bring a number of characters to life. Their act one number, Look What I Made is especially admirable and perfectly highlights what it means to be enthusiastic, and find a place where you feel like you belong. All three performers give spades of energy and bring a whole lot to the show.


P J McEvoy's set, although a little flimsy at times, creates the convention atmosphere well and the artwork for the show is so well done that it really does feel like a real comic (the subtle increase in price from £2.50 to £3.350 in the programme is a great detail). 

Whilst there are still some things that need brushing up, this is a great base for a production and there's certainly potential for growth and developments to make this show something special which will touch the hearts of fans all over. Fanatical will have you laughing and wanting to celebrate being you.

Fanatical runs at the Playground Theatre until 8th December

photo credit: Scott Rylander

Comments

  1. Thanks for every other informative site. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such an ideal means? I have a venture that I’m just now operating on, and I have been on the look out for such information. toddler indoor play equipment

    ReplyDelete
  2. You completed certain reliable points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all persons will agree with your blog. 메이저놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  3. The tire market has different sizes, styles, and brands, and understanding which tire can work for your vehicle may be confusing. We provide exceptional tire services from tire replacement, tire rotation, and everything your vehicle needs.

    ReplyDelete
  4. He is a well-respected businessman/leader in the community and has received many awards for various competitions in his field. His son Franco continues to follow in his footsteps. In keeping up with business ethics and determination. Franco strives for excellence, perfection and quality.

    ReplyDelete
  5. She finds great satisfaction in bringing focused medicine, health, and wellness, to her patients. Dr. has a personable and intimate rapport with her patients throughout their inner and outer health journey. She has enjoyed counseling patients and has addressed patients beyond the scope of traditional gynecology. In addition, Dr. cares for men in addressing their hormonal imbalances.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Williamson Caterers offers a variety of menus and packages including All-Inclusive Wedding Packages, Station Menus, Cocktail Party Selections, Brunch and Buffet Menus, and Cook-Outs. Williamson Caterers welcomes the opportunity to customize a menu specific to your event budget and needs.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Buildrite has a fine and friendly approach towards its clients. Their main focus remains satisfied and pleased customers that are acquired through reliance, integrity, proficiency, and high-quality services.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Our expert designers are dedicated to producing layouts that ensure your design is distinctive to our clients' liking as well as functional. We warmly invite you to browse our website or visit our freshly remodeled showroom to witness for yourself how Cabinet & Stone City can provide luxury without the cost!

    ReplyDelete
  9. We are a full-service trucking company established worldwide to add convenience and pace in freight transportation for commercial purposes. Maintaining the safest driving records on the road.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Fame Jackets have so far served many of customers and thus we can claim to have customers wearing our jackets throughout the world. To make sure smooth and efficient shipping and delivery solutions Fame Jackets collaborate with the premium courier services working internationally.

    ReplyDelete
  11. World's Smartest email List Cleaning Service, Quick, simple and accurate. Bulk Mail Verifier will not only save you time but tons of money too!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Nice post. I like it very much. If you want to get the Premium-free Instagram++ for Android. OGzilla is the newest lunch site that contains almost all Android and iOS apps plus tweaked apps. OGzilla Safe is where you get multiple apps and games Premium free.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I would are adamant infrequently which it will be astonishing! Your blog is commonly tips in addition in general fabricate splendid entitys. Da Hook codes - HDG

    ReplyDelete