EDINBURGH FESTIVAL 2009: REVIEW - PORN THE MUSICAL, Musical Theatre @ George Square, August 13 2009
For the more prudish theatre-goer, this isn't for you. If, however, you like near-the-knuckle humour about sex and pornography laced with a shot of swearing, this Maltese oddity is a must-see.
When Stefan leaves his cheating girlfriend Jade and moves to America, he finds a new career as a porn star and a new love with his colleague. There's no great depth or complexity of storyline from writer Malcolm Galea, but fortunately it's a highly entertaining romp, if you'll forgive the expression, with some riotous songs from Boris Cezek and Kris Spiteri.
Whether it's the opening number about everyone in Malta being related, or porn legend Dr Johnny's PhD (it's an acronym, and here's a hint: he doesn't have a doctorate in philosophy), there are plenty of laugh-out-loud gags (and even one ball-gag in an actor's mouth). The classically-trained voice of Louis Cassar is a delight to listen to in the company numbers, and David Ellul is uncannily magnetic as the well-endowed superstar stud.
Some of the script may well leave an overly-analytical audience uncomfortable, particularly in the characterisation of the females (is Jade really a "whore"? Is Sanddi "easy"? Is it the males' place to judge them anyway?); whether this was the intent of the show's creators is unclear. If you want a fun and funny show to see, though, voyeurism comes highly recommended.
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