EDINBURGH 2010: BWW Reviews: MY NAME IS RICHARD

My Name is Richard is a piece advertised as a story about teenagers on the cusp of adulthood and the struggles they face as they try to navigate a notoriously awkward and tumultuous time. What you won't get from the blurb is just how polished the piece and the production are.

Tom Kirkham's writing was an aspect which really stood out. While it's not mentioned in the blurb, Richard is actually a teenager with Asperger's Syndrome, which makes his social struggles quite poignant at times, and adds a number of layers and an engaging subtext to the strained relationships he faces at home. It would have been easy to focus the story on how a teenager with Asperger's fits in with his peers, as that would have provided ample subject matter to work with, but the fact that there is such a well-developed and unarguably relevant family thread to the story makes it a lovely well-rounded piece.

Nicolas Bloomfield's music, while perhaps not the walk-away-humming-them type of songs, fit in well with the various moods of the piece and helped to enhance the feeling that your emotions are so often in the extremes during that time of your life.

The cast were consistently strong, both vocally and with their portrayals of the various different personalities you encounter as a teenager, especially when someone clearly doesn't fit the norm. Blair Anderson in the lead role gave a believable performance as an Asperger's teenager, and Adam Philps was particularly good as Richard's protective brother Ed.

Definitely one to see.

Find ticket information here: http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/musicals-operas/my-name-is-richard