EDINBURGH 2011: BWW Reviews: THE PRODIGALS, Gilded Balloon Teviot, August 16, 2011.
The story of the Prodigal Son is one which has been told and retold over the centuries, so the basis of this musical, by Joe Harmston and Ray Goudie, is not original. However, it has been given a modern twist and is set in present day Afghanistan, centring around a Scottish regiment, headed up by Luke Gibson, played by David J Higgins.
Luke has two sons, the eldest Mike (Marc Mulcahey), and Kyle, played by Aaron Sidwell who is best known for playing Stephen Beale in Eastenders. Mike has been the dutiful son, working his way through the ranks and never stepping out of line. Kyle, on the other hand, has left the army to focus on his music career. Taking his share of the inheritance since his mother passed away, Kyle lives the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, fuelled with drugs. When his bandmate Kelly, played by the X Factor's Lucie Jones, decides she'd like to try heroin too, Kyle's life spirals out of control.
The army 'brats' he grew up with disown him as does his elder brother, but when he returns, his father, wanting to celebrate, causes outrage amongst the regiment. The son who has only been true to his father feels invisible and unloved.
The Prodigals is a cut down version of a full-scale musical but what is shown at the Gilded Balloon makes you want to see more. There are great costumes, props, sound and lighting alongside some fantastic choreography and original songs.
There will certainly be some emotional scenes in the full show, a few almost had a lump in my throat and I know that if more time is available to introduce the characters to the audience, they will definitely feel more for each of them.
A very promising musical and one I'm very much looking forward to seeing in full after the Fringe.
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