Edinburgh Review: Sincerely Mr Toad at the Pleasance Dome

Sincerely Mr Toad 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Pleasance Dome

Reviewed on Friday 9th August 2013

Sincerely Mr Toad is a fascinating new musical which is bursting with potential. The show tells the story of Kenneth Grahame who longs to write wild adventure tales and pursue his love of nature and literature. The show begins cheerfully with the energetic ensemble performing a few uptempo musical numbers.

However, the show takes a dark twist when a stranger tries to shoot Kenneth, scarring him for life. Sincerely Mr Toad charts the turbulent relationships that inspired and haunted one of literature’s biggest treasures, The Wind in the Willows. 

Keith Jack stars as Kenneth’s son, Alastair Grahame. Having played Joseph in the UK Tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for the past few years, it is wonderful to see Keith take on a completely different role. His quirky portrayal of Alastair is interesting to watch as he fully understands the complexity of the role. Of course Keith sings the score effortlessly and brings West End standards to the Edinburgh Fringe.

When you put on a show at the Fringe, running times are strict meaning shows often need to be cut down. Unfortunately I felt like certain parts of Sincerely Mr Toad were rushed, I needed more time to digest major events and storyline twists. There were a few minor sound issues which I found distracting and it’s a shame because I think it is completely unnecessary for the cast to have microphones in such an intimate space. I also wasn't a fan of the pre-recorded backing tracks. I would love to see Sincerely Mr Toad again when it tours to the Greenwich Theatre as I understand the show will be performed in full and accompanied by a band, I think this will make a huge difference.

I am a little unsure as to who the show is aimed at as some parts appeal to a younger audience, but the darker elements are certainly not suitable for children. I have come to the conclusion that Sincerely Mr Toad is for those who like to watch good storytelling. This new musical is certainly one to watch, I will be looking out to see what the future holds for this compelling piece of theatre.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
andrew@westendframe.com

You can see Sincerely Mr Toad daily at the Pleasance Dome at 15.30 until 26th August 2013.

Click here to read our interview with Keith Jack.

Photo Credit: Darren Bell

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