This might just be the best day I’ve ever had at the Edinburgh Fringe. I’ve just come from Every Brilliant Thing, and now this!
It is one thing to see the ubiquitous posters of Todd Almond running with his yellow umbrella (which seem burned into my retina!), it is entirely another to see and hear him in the flesh. Like an alabaster statue come to life, this David with his piercing blue eyes (I was lucky enough to sit in the front row!) has the audience transfixed from note one.
Almond, the toast of New York, seated at piano for most of the performance, with a lazy laconic boredom reminisces over a modern queer love story. It’s dreamy, probably because I’ve been reviewing and writing my five-a-day for the last five days, but also because it’s just dreamy!
Accompanied by Erin Hill on Harp and vocals, as resident Cat Lady, and Luke McCrosson on bass as his enigmatic and moody sexy beast neighbour, this story, written by Almond and inspired by The Odyssey floats along into some strange places indeed, eventually reaching the basement of his NY Brownstone, where Almond confronts his own Underworld.
The music is simply phenomenal throughout and Almond’s voice is like melted butter, with lyrics that you will be humming as you leave.
From the producers of Fleabag and Baby Reindeer, you know this is one to include in your Fringe ‘must see’ list, and you are not wrong.
Reviewer: Greg Holstead
Reviewed: 7th August 2024
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 5 out of 5.
