Review: Edges at the Tabard Theatre

Edges 
Tabard Theatre
Reviewed on Saturday 2nd August 2014
★★

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's song cycle musical Edges is a fun and relevant piece of theatre about coming of age, growing up and self-discovery. Featuring a nice mix of bubbly comedic numbers and heartfelt ballads, Pasek and Paul's music is catchy, honest and memorable.

Sadly this production didn't grab me with both hands. The young cast of four do their best, giving larger than life performances and 'going for it' wherever possible, but this simply isn't enough. There is a difference between trying to do all the right things in all the right places and actually feeling a song, understanding a character and successfully conveying a message to an audience. 

I wasn't captivated and I didn't emotionally connect with any of the characters or what they were singing about. It seems the cast are yet to discover exactly who they are playing and the meaning behind what they are performing. 

With a speedy running time of just one hour, Edges doesn't drag. Pasek and Paul's score keeps the audience on their toes, I particularly enjoyed the Facebook number 'Be My Friend'. This was my first time visiting the Tabard Theatre which is a lovely, cosy fringe venue.

Reviewed by Andrew Tomlins (Editor)

Edges runs at the Tabard Theatre until Saturday 30th August 2014.
Please visit www.tabardweb.co.uk for further information and tickets.

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