Brodie & Co Earns Four-Star Review at the Edinburgh Fringe

Shrewsbury has been taking productions to the Edinburgh Fringe for over thirty years; this is our twelfth original musical and my fourth collaboration with legendary ex-Director of Music, John Moore.

There is something incredibly exciting about starting a show with a blank sheet of paper and watching it come to life, thanks to the extraordinary talent of the creative team, performers, musicians and technical crew that I am fortunate enough to work with. Every time we do this, I am astounded by their brilliance, and this group has been particularly special. Whether learning harmonies in record time, supporting each other through their GCSE and A level results or playing highly competitive games of Uno (Thank you, Mr Farmer), they have been an absolute joy to work with.

This is a show of finals and firsts – it is the last show for our brilliant leavers, who have contributed enormously to the theatre over the last two, three or five years. It is also the first show for many of the company, and I am particularly grateful to Ethan and Annie, who stepped in to join the band in the very first week of term.

One of the most exciting - and terrifying - aspects of performing at the Fringe is the prospect of external reviewers, and it was lovely to receive so much positive feedback, including a prestigious 4* review from The Scotsman (see below). 

“It takes some guts to premiere a new musical based on the life and crimes of one of Edinburgh’s most infamous sons at the Fringe, but Helen Brown and John Moore’s colourful extravaganza is a delightful surprise. It’s bold because until now the double life of William ‘Deacon’ Brodie, cabinet maker and Edinburgh Councillor by day, turned burglar by night, has proved somewhat resistant to a wholly successful adaptation. For over a century it looked like Brodie was destined to remain an interesting footnote as the original inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde. However, it’s perhaps fitting that this production from Shrewsbury School – who scored a Fringe First for their musical, Jekyll! back in 1995 – is certainly the best adaptation currently available…. A well-deserved hit.” – Rory Ford, The Scotsman

***

“The Brodie and Co cast have been some of the most visible flyerers on the Royal Mile this week, gathering crowds of tourists with their flamboyant 18th century costumes and towering wigs. Once on stage, they quickly prove that their fantastic performance skills match their appearance: this was hands down my favourite show of this year's Fringe. The story follows William Brodie, a respectable tradesman who leads a secret double life as a burglar to fund his alcoholism and gambling addiction. He seems an unlikely hero, but Dominic Turner gives him a brooding intensity which makes him strangely attractive - and explains why the gorgeous Jeanie (a brilliant performance by Freya C) falls for him. The audience find themselves rooting for the criminal pair, along with their accomplice George Smith, played as an engaging cockney geezer by Reggie B. This is a world in which the 'baddies' are infinitely more likeable than the respectable folk of Edinburgh, who are roundly satirised for their hypocrisy and selfishness. (There is a hilarious song about capital punishment which made me genuinely laugh out loud.) This is a great piece of writing, performed with fantastic commitment by a young cast.” – Lucy Cohen, www.edfringe.com

***

“It is brave for an English company to take on this beloved Scottish legend. However, the risk pays off in spades, as this is a brilliantly written and evidently affectionate take on the city’s favourite loveable rogue. The story is told from the perspective of Brodie’s girlfriend, beautifully played by Freya C, and the show is full of wry feminist moments pointing out the failure of history to take account of its women. This was clearly an attempt to redress that, and the show is full of fantastic female performances, from Matilda C’s brassy brothel-keeper to Faye P’s hilariously bloodthirsty aristocrat.” – Tom Monaghan, www.edfringe.com

Some of the cast reflected on the experience:

Hannah M (UVI, MSH) said:

"I had an amazing experience at the Edinburgh Fringe and it really helped build my confidence as a dancer. Edinburgh was unlike anything I'd experienced before, and everyone was so supportive which made for a very lovely environment to perform in."

Benedict F (UVI, O) said:

"Performing at the Fringe this year is one of the standout experiences that I have had during my time at Shrewsbury. Throughout the rehearsal process at school, approachable and friendly teaching staff made the time spent in house relaxing and fun, while in Edinburgh, the staff worked tirelessly to incorporate the needs of every member of the cast, whether that meant accommodating the numerous different shows that we wanted to see or providing meals in the evenings. My time spent performing at the Fringe gave me an insight into what a professional drama career looks like, while also providing me with happy moments performing onstage with my friends. Ultimately, the experience as a whole is something that I will never forget."

Catherine J (V, QEH) said:

“The entire Edinburgh Fringe experience was one of the most exciting and enjoyable things I think I've ever participated in. The rehearsals and performances of the shows were so much fun and there was a good balance with free/rest time too. As one of the younger members of the cast, I really appreciated the friendly and welcoming nature of the environment and I felt very taken care of throughout the experience. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.”

Director of Drama, Dr Helen Brown