Edinburgh 2022: Review: DON'T SAY MACBETH, ZOO Playground - Playground 2

Perhaps the best-known theatre superstition is: don't say "Macbeth" in a theatre. GOYA Theatre Company present Don't Say Macbeth, in which a troubled production of "Hubble Bubble: The Musical" attempts their opening night. Can the team make it through without saying the name? Don't Say Macbeth is an hour of hilarious musical comedy that's perfect for the Fringe!

Written and directed by London-based GOYA's Artistic Director Sam Woof, the show follows a cast and crew preparing to perform a musical telling the story of the witches from Macbeth, but nothing is going to plan. The show features its Musical Director Màth Roberts as the in-world MD. They portray the real terror of being underprepared as their character frantically attempts to compose the finale, all the while accompanying and performing the musical numbers on stage.

Roberts' musical arrangements make use of tropes and famous musicals to create songs that are instantly familiar. Fans of musical theatre will have fun spotting the many musicals references from across the canon. Vocally the cast are in great form, effortlessly hitting the top notes.

The show is full of laugh-out-loud moments, with characters constantly ending up in farcical situations. Within the chaotic backstage scenes there's a basis in reality, giving extra laughs to anyone who's ever been in a production. The tension builds well throughout the show, as anxiety grows about whether the cast and crew will be ready, and all the set ups pay off neatly by the end of the show. Running jokes are used to great effect, particularly involving the criminal-turned-theatre producer Frankie.

The cast are superb, completely committing to their roles and delivering absurd lines with sincerity that increases the comedy. Jordan Stamatiadis is hysterical as Mati, and her ability to convincingly perform a song "badly" betrays her impressive vocal control. As the other witch actors, Emmy Briggs brings excellent comedic timing and Lya Luca's Martine acts as a foil, with first-rate vocals.

A successful combination of musical parody, Shakespeare references and farce, Don't Say Macbeth is what the Fringe is all about.

Don't Say Macbeth at ZOO Playground (Playground 2) Aug 18-23; 25-28 15.35 (55 mins)

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