G’day to a new Fringe gem! 

"The Emu War" brings a unique Australian story to the stage with humour, inventiveness, and a flurry of feathers. The lighting design is particularly impressive, capturing the essence of various settings – from the wide-open outback to more dramatic military HQs. The technical team’s work in this area truly enhances the storytelling and adds depth to the production.

Lotte Pearl's soundtrack, with accompaniment by Toby Little, is both vibrant and engaging, featuring several memorable tunes, however the ensemble vocals could benefit from stronger performers, and some of the lyrics would be more impactful with a bit of fine-tuning. A few choruses felt repetitive and needed reworking, but there are several standout numbers with the potential to shine even brighter after these reviews. 

The script (by Lotte Pearl) is brimming with sharp and witty dialogue, with jokes for audiences of all ages to enjoy. Underneath the cackling, though, some scenes felt a little drawn out, while others seemed hurried to overcompensate and stick to the approved running time, which led to a slightly uneven flow. These observations shouldn’t be seen as harsh or critical, but instead as a positive thing - the fact that there is so much to analyse speaks to the show's many strengths and the fact it already accomplishes a great deal. The opportunities to develop it further is exciting and this musical could become even more compelling by tightening its execution.

With thoughtful adaptation, this show could easily evolve into a full-length, two-act production. There is considerable potential for it to emulate the success of innovative companies like Spitlip, whose "Operation Mincemeat" made a successful transition from fringe to mainstream theatre. However, it’s crucial to avoid the pitfalls of a premature commercial run that might limit its unique appeal, it really needs the right producer who sees its vision as clearly as the creatives do. 

Spike Maxwell is a standout performer, consistently commanding attention with their dynamic presence and impeccable comedic timing; such a range of emotional depth was portrayed hilariously and heartbreakingly.  

Although the set and props were minimal, they were entirely effective. The small budget and flexible nature that comes with the Fringe provided just enough detail to support the story without overshadowing the performances. Overall, The Emu War is a promising piece with ample room to grow. With the right guidance it could become a noteworthy addition to contemporary theatre, following the recent trend of using historical moments to influence the modern scene and link to current events. 

This show was reviewed on the 25th August 2024 at Pleasance Courtyard - Pleasance Two, Edinburgh.  Find out more about Pearl Whirl Productions over on Instagram - @pearlwhirlproductions

Review written by Katie-Anna McConnell

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