EDINBURGH 2018 - Review: THE FROGS, Theatre Bath Bus
The Frogs is one of Stephen Sondheim's lesser-known musicals, adapted in conjunction with Bert Shevelove, and famously premiered in a swimming pool at Yale with a cast including Meryl Streep and Sigourney Weaver.
Adapted from the comedy of Aristophanes, it features the god Dionysus, aghast at the state of theatre, descending into the Underworld on a mission to bring back the greatest playwright of all time in a bid to save civilisation through the arts.
A zany trip through several famous Greek myths culminates in a poetic battle between George Bernard Shaw and William Shakespeare as Dionysus must choose which of them to bring back to the world of the living.
Performed by Zenith Youth Theatre Company in the Theatre Bath Bus, a fantastic little venue on a converted bus seating just 20 people, this is a charming and quirky production. The design of the piece perfectly matches the goofy atmosphere of the work.
The young cast attack the challenging piece with great energy and verve, even to the point of getting the venue literally rocking. On occasion, they need more directorial guidance to handle some of the more poetic speeches of the climax if they are to truly convince us of the power of great art.
The eponymous chorus of frogs are a delight, all goggles and enthusiastic gurning. Marcus May also stands out in the lead role of Dionysus, providing the ego and delusional charm required for the part, in a performance that would fill a much larger space.
A great opportunity to see a lesser known musical in unique surroundings. There are only a couple of chances to see it before it finishes its Fringe run. Book quickly - you'll be hopping mad if you miss this!
The Frogs is at the Theatre Bath Bus until 11 August
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