[AD – PR invite*]
★★★
Every year at the Edinburgh Fringe I like to experience one show that is very different to what I usually go for and this year that was ‘MASSAOKE: Sing The Musicals’: a great big sing-along production in the Purple Cow (Udderbelly venue). Described as ‘part high-energy stage show, part nostalgic sing-along’, I was intrigued to see how the company would approach the karaoke elements and create a full-length production from the concept. In reality I was left slightly disappointed as it was simply 60 minutes of musical theatre karaoke with the Massaoke band, featuring songs from The Greatest Showman, Wicked, Les Misérables and more.
Extreme karaoke for musical theatre enthusiasts
In order to please musical theatre fans, the band fly through songs from a range of eras (think Hamilton and Oklahoma! in the same show). Some tracks get played in full and others are just a highlight, but one thing is for sure, the setlist has something for everyone.
Even though I can commend the amount of variety in the show, personally I found the whole experience somewhat overwhelming. The band goes from song to song with limited breaks and sometimes you just want to sit back and let the performers do their thing. That being said, everyone in the audience seemed to be having the time of their lives.
A love-it-or-hate-it concept
This show wasn’t for me personally, but I can see why audiences find it so fun. If you’re looking for a lively hour of interactive entertainment at the Fringe, supported by an energetic band who certainly know how to engage an audience, this is absolutely for you. You can catch ‘Massaoke: Sing the Musicals’ at the Udderbelly venue at Underbelly George Square until 24th August (not 11th, 18th or 19th). Performances start daily at 13:40 and tickets are available via the festival’s website.
*My ticket for ‘Massaoke: Sing The Musicals’ was gifted in exchange for an unbiased review.
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