EDINBURGH 2013 - BWW Reviews: I NEED A DOCTOR:THE UNAUTHORISED WHOSICAL ADVENTURE, Pleasance Courtyard, August 2 2013
Doctor Who remains one of the UK's most popular television shows, with the BBC planning to broadcast a show during primetime this weekend just to announce the casting of the twelfth incumbent of the title role. So it's no surprise that the Time Lord has found himself the subject of a new musical, in the form of "I Need A Doctor: The Unauthorised Whosical Adventure". This is a completely unofficial take on the Doctor Who franchise, however, rather than make it a straight parody, the lack of association with the copyrighted material was made into a largely witty subplot.
Jokes about their inability to make use of iconic characters are characteristic of the self-aware nature of the show, which makes features of ridiculous costume changes and low-budget props.
Performed by Jessica Spray and James Wilson-Taylor, the show is full of energy, with great pace that doesn't slack for a moment. They are ably backed up by accompanist Ed, whose amusing reactions added some extra comic touches to a show greeted with laughter from a crowd of evident fans.Not only does their script showcase plenty of jokes based on the TV show, but the copious musical theatre references, from subtle Sondheim mentions to outright LES MISERABLES song parodies, demonstrate a keen awareness of their chosen style. Very often, Fringe parody musicals can feel rather mocking and snide, but this was full of evident enthusiasm and affection, and proved a well-executed little piece of sci-fi entertainment.
I Need A Doctor: The Unauthorised Whosical Adventure runs at the Pleasance Courtyard until August 26th (not 14th or 20th) at 1430.
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