Review Score – 3 1/2 stars
Category – Musicals and Opera (LGBT, new writing)
The Edinburgh Fringe is a fantastic place for young talent to develop across all genres of performance and this show is an example of this. Billed as a dark comedy musical this is a piece of work that promises to explore male mental health, the stigma surrounding suicide and friendship.
The show begins with our two young protagonists on a bridge as hesitant about their decision to jump as they are conflicted about themselves. It then moves on at pace, with musical numbers throughout charting their growing friendship and exploring how each of the characters, one straight laced and introverted, the other flamboyantly extroverted have reached the conclusion that their demise is to be sealed by a suicide pact but seemingly forever delayed as their friendship grows.
The story ends on a powerful twist which I didn’t see coming at all and demonstrates that even friendship and brotherhood may not be enough to save them. The script and songs were brilliantly performed by the two young actors who were as authentic as they were funny when required. It certainly dealt with friendship and suicide as a subject but it didn’t really address the stigma of suicide or male mental health in any great detail as promised, though the characters portrayed did give their personal angst explanation.
All in all though, a thoroughly enjoyable, passionate and insightful 50 minutes of entertainment from two very promising and talented young actors.
Details of this show are listed below;
Venue: PQA Venues @ Riddle’s Court – Q1
Dates: Aug 14-18, 20-25
Time: 19:00 (50 minutes)
Ticket prices: £11.50 (students £8.50)
Fringe box office: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/suicide-pact
Warnings and additional info: 14+ (Guideline)
