Be Fruitful and Multiply Review

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Rating (out of 5)
4
Show info
Company
1945 Productions
Production
Owen Petty (Director), Ronan Shiels, Harry Zunder (Music)
Performers
Fred Ward (Al), Adam Farrell (Sam), Christina Tedders (Donna), Rose Wardlaw (Lucinda), Jamie Budgett (Adddy), L-J Keston (Eva)
Running time
90mins

Fruity and a bit nutty, and smothered in a really innovative score. The story is set in a private fnance company whose next project is Earth.

In less than 90 minutes we experience Phase 1 from creation to its end in nuclear war. It's a rapid potted - or potty - history.

The strength of this production is in the excellent music. Normally a good story is spoilt by far from memorable music but in "Be Fruitful and Multiply" there is a good score which is crying out for a better book.

The lines in many cases are funny and the parallels with the Old Testament are fair game.

The talented cast are in good voice throughout and the ensemble playing is very good. Addy (Jamie Budgett) and Eva (L-J Keston) make a good team drawing humour out of the Garden of Eden scenes.

Fred Ward is the all powerful head of the project team while Rose Wardlaw (Lucinda) is effective as the lady (boss) in waiting.

Adam Farrell as Sam, the public face of the company and philandering partner of Lucinda is at the heart of most of the action. Christina Tedders, Ollie Gyani and Martin McDowel complete a cast without a flaw.

Under the direction of Ronan Shiels, the band adds to the quality of the experience and Ronan was worth watching alone as he brought the best out of his band.

This show was a good festival fringe romp, but I do think that a revision of the book alongside the music would be worth doing over the winter.

Show times: Runs to 27 Aug, 3.45pm

Tickets £10.50/£9.50 concessions £8.50 & £7.50)