Infidelity might drive a couple apart ... but then so might monogamy! A professional West End cast brings you a new musical comedy full of love, confusion, passion and deceit. 'An evening of magic' (Montclarion). www.overthethreshold.co.uk
Over The Threshold
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4.0 | |
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4.5 (2) |
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Info
| Venue | Musical Theatre @ George Square, Edinburgh |
| Year | 2009 |
| Genre | Musicals & Opera |
| Summary Info | Musical Theatre @ George Square, George Square/Buccleuch Place; 0131 651 1292; Grid Ref:F5. Preview Aug 6-7: 17:30 (1hr 15mins) £6.00 Aug 8, 10-13, 18-20, 25-27, 31: 17:30 (1hr 15mins) £8.50 (£7.50) Aug 9, 14-16, 21-23, 28-30: 17:30 (1hr 15mins) £9.50 (£8.50) Aug 20-21: 12:15 (1hr 15mins) £8.50 (£7.50) |
Editor review
A lively, well balanced new musical
| Rating: | 4.0 |
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0 of 0 people found the following review helpful
The story revolves around two couples living in the same block, both of which are struggling with their relationship. The plot uses classic farce techniques to amuse and keep the audience on their toes - you can't predict the twists any more than you would want to, and the endearing characters keep you intersted in their story and their needs. The music is varied and intelligently written: I'd be fascinated to hear it scored for more than just piano, but the arrangement for this production works fantastically in the space.The direction of the piece is tight and doesn't relent. The pace and humour keep the audience hooked to the story, and the minimalist set is one of the better ones I've seen at the festival. It is worth noting that aside from this, there is nothing 'fringe' about this production. It could stand up well in a mainstream theatre with some new lighting and a bigger set. The astounding thing about the show is the quality of the vocals on display. All four are excellent, and their credits, West End and otherwise, seem well deserved. In particular, Madalena Alberto's voice is stunning: she was the source of the moments that tingled the spine, and her characterisation was just as admirable. Mention must also go to the flawless and sensitive accompaniment throughout.
I desired more of the lighting, with performers singing unlit on occasion, and some small dark patches in the space's rig. But the amazing voices and pace of the story mean that anyone watching doesn't linger on technicalities. The song 'Women Like You', brought the comic aspect to a head with great effect, while other numbers such as 'Easy to Say' really tug at your heart strings. On the whole this production looks ready to transfer and impress on a much bigger scale. I'll be keeping an eye out for a London transfer, and so should you.
User reviews
Average user rating from: 2 user(s)
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Over The Threshold
| Rating: | 4.0 |
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Reviewed by Andrew CowburnAugust 14, 2009
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Infidelity is a common theme for new writers and before the show you can’t help the feeling that you’re going to have seen it all before. However, Over The Threshold has a twist that sets it apart from all the others. When Kate walks out on her boyfriend and straight into the arms of a handsome man in the hallway it’s familiar territory but when Tom chases after her and finds himself locked out, the woman next door takes him in for the night and then anything could happen...
Given their impressive West End credits, it is no surprise that the cast deliver excellent vocal performances that leap from powerful to sensitive or from furious to tearful in a instant. All four have big voices and it was apparent that they would be at home in large theatres but George 2 is such an intimate venue and I did feel that the facial expressions frequently failed to backup the emotion in the voice.
The music, performed solo on the piano by composer Christopher Hamilton, is a beautiful mix of material that manages to sound both original and yet comfortable. Hamilton’s script is also excellent, and the performers deliver it well, keeping the tension and emotions high throughout. There is little humour, which is good for keeping the audience on edge, but when there is it is perfectly placed to relieve a little of the tension.
The set initially looks complicated with two flats superimposed on each other, presumably to represent the knot of relationships in the show but I was surprised at how effective it was. It was always clear which flat the actors were in and what set belonged to each home.
For me, it was the vocal performances that made this show. The premise of a show about relationships and infidelity will put a lot of people off but they’re missing a gem. The material is of such a high quality and the cast perform it so well that I simply couldn’t help enjoying every moment.
Over The Threshold
| Rating: | 5.0 |
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Reviewed by Donna HazeltonAugust 09, 2009
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
On Friday the 8th Aug, I had the good fortune to see this show and I was completely enthralled.It consists of a cast of 4....2 men and 2 women and deals with the all too familiar story of infidelity and although there were some sad, poignant moments there were laughs as well. The music was wonderful and the cast were all superb, their voices complemented each other perfectly. Along with the other members of the audience, because of the intimacy of the venue, it felt as though we were all involved in the story. A perfect size for the piece.
A special mention to Keiran Brown for his bavery! He looks fantastic in his boxer shorts!!
Audience Review
| Good Points | The music, the cast, the story |
| Bad Points | Not enough audience members! |
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