A Bohemian Life
★★★★☆ Joyful
Edinburgh New Town Church (Venue 111): Thurs 22 – Fri 23 Aug 2024
Review by Rebecca Mahar
The Bohemians Lyric Opera Company filled Edinburgh New Town Church with joy and show tunes for two days this Fringe with their concert A Bohemian Life.
Throughout a jam-packed programme of musical numbers loosely tied together on the theme of their concert’s title, the Bohemians burst with energy and enthusiasm, from solos to ensemble pieces that threatened to have the large company spilling off the stage.
The company for the Bohemian’s EdFringe concerts 2024 A Bohemian Life. Pic: BLOC
While some numbers are stronger than others, all are committed and well-choreographed, with simple and effective dance choreography by Fiona Burns, clearly designed to make the most of the talents of the ensemble, while remaining accessible to all its members.
Black base costumes create a cohesive and neutral look, while pops of colour from accessories such as scarves, braces, and belts unite performers who appear together in duets or groups.
It’s impossible to name every member of a company so large, and all deserve their flowers. Some standout performances are those by Bethany Dunion, the breathtakingly emotive soloist on Breathe from In the Heights; Max Mitchell and Ross Anderson-MacPherson, who put in an excellent comic turn with You and Me (But Mostly Me) from The Book of Mormon; Christine Mills, Kirsty Hogg, and Bethany Dunion on Little Lamb from Big Fish, where they are reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters.
good grace
A special mention must also go to Christine Mills for I’m Still Here from Follies, a long and repetitive number throughout which she manages to hold the audience, while seeming to channel the ghost of Elaine Stritch.
A few technical flubs and slightly awkward transitions here and there do little to detract from the overall performance as the company brush them off with good grace. Musical Director Finlay Turnbull leads a live band to give the concert the kind of energy that canned music simply can’t summon, and the show finishes with a rousing rendition of Colour My World from Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, the Bohemians’ upcoming Festival Theatre production.
Running time: One hour and 50 minutes (including one interval)
Edinburgh New Town Church, 13 George Street EH2 2PA (Venue 111)
Thursday 22/Friday 23 August 2024
Evenings: 7.30pm
Details and tickets: Book here
The Bohemians Website: www.bohemians.org.uk
Facebook: @bohemiansedinburgh
Instagram: bohemiansedinburgh
X: @bohemians_ed
ENDS
