Jacob’s Ladder is a very interesting performance by a young group of actors, based on the story of a man who wants to start a cult. The piece begins with 5 people meeting in a back garden of a huge house, having called a self help hotline. Each character is portrayed beautifully; a girl who is obsessed with herself and sex, a Navy wife, a posh boarding school type, someone struggling with anger problems and a shy girl.

The main character, Jacob, somewhat of a socially inept recluse, is portrayed perfectly, right down to the nervous twitches and odd looks. We hear from each character’s internal monologue, revealing their inner thoughts and ideas. The angered teen is another well played character, providing some emotional acting and a captivating performance.

Jacob’s nervous disposition, manner and interactions with the other characters make for some comedy, and many of the monologues, particularly the one about boarding school really made me laugh. The overall theme is a dark one, and reminds us of the awesome ability that one man can have, and the effect this can have on others. The play’s dramatic end seems a fitting one to the piece, and leaves the audience shocked.

There are some student products that stand out through creativity, beauty, and skill which makes The Changeling, by University of Arts London Drama Society, an impressive, wonderful and moving piece of theatre, this was a close to sell out audience and after watching it I understand why. The story centres around Bernard, a changeling, and former banker who ends up going on the run.

London is under the grip of a big brother type being and small pox has crippled the capital. Bernard helps an old man, Fred, who tells him a story which sets Bernard on his mission.

The cast make great use of the space they have and music provide by a duo who give this play a cute love and gentle humour that lifts it even higher. Their ability is such that you totally become engrossed in the story from the first scene and are willing to follow Bernard anywhere he want to take you. The scene in which Bernard is getting examined by a fellow changeling doctor is inspired, the actions of the two musicians is inspired with a warmth and care that is incredible to watch. Throughout the whole piece the music is neither heavy or clunky it acts as a third player with the performers gently floating in and out of scenes.

It would be hard not to walk away from this play and feel touched by such beautiful performances. The actors worked well together and brought to life a strange alternative world that has fear, anger, mistrust, and death all around it. As the story continues the audience is draw into Bernard’s world and the troubles and loss that he has gone through. The final scene is so well crafted and delivered it truly was a memorable and touching moment.

“The University of London Arts Drama Society have produced a genuine winning play. Creative in it’s idea and warm with its beauty the play is a marvel to watch and an incredible offering from some amazingly talented actors, writers, and director. This is as higher a standard you can get at the Fringe.”

For tickets please click here – The Changeling

The Changeling is a debut production between East 15 Acting School and Wimbledon Collage of Art that have combined a fresh and lasting approach to multi-media theatre. The production features a refreshing blend of poetry, live music and film that expores fear, friendship and acceptance. With a short run this year, 5th-15th August and with this being their debut we can only wish the very best for them and this is bound to be such an wonderful opportunity for them.

For more information on this production please click here.

How have things been going, you all done and dusted for the summer shows or are there still some creases to iron out?

We have performed two shows from our run at Underbelly, and feel that they are going from strength to strength. The show has come along way during our creative process, its incredibly rewarding to see it on stage at the Fringe.

What’s it like bringing a show to the Fringe and being part of their amazing line up?

Fringe 2010 is UAL Drama Society’s first time performing at the festival. It’s a brilliant opportunity to be at a venue with such a reputable line up.

Have there been any obstacles in producing this show?

There are always obstacles in taking on a project such as this but it’s the way you deal with them as a company. We have created a show that we are proud of which is worth the hard-work in the lead-up to the festival.

What was the best feedback you got from your audience or the press?

After our second day, an audience member, Josh from The Scat Pack:

“It was beautiful show, one of the best I had seen so far, the care and creativity that had gone into the making of the show was evident throughout the performance”.

What was the Best and Worst shows you’ve played?

We are on the second show of the Fringe, so our show today has been the best so far yet looking forward to the show evolving and developing throughout the run.

What can people expect?

The show offers a beautiful multi-media approach to storytelling, accompanied by two up and coming London musicians. ‘The Changeling’ is a surreal tale of fear, friendship and acceptance and the importance of companionship when all else is lost.

Any new tricks up you have up your sleeve?

Our live musicians, Zoe Klinck and Bryn White form the up and coming band ‘Allan’s Grand Day Out’. They have released their debut EP, ‘Maastricht’, which is available for free download HERE:

“The ear-tickling atmospheres of ‘Maastricht’ are one of the most refreshing surprises of this summer”
AAA music

Who has been an inspiration to you?

Our creative process has been influenced by theatre companies and practitioners who explore different methods of storytelling. In particular, our influences range from Jacques Lecoq, Philippe Gaulier, Peader Kirk and Nick Philippou along with companies such as Blind Summit Theatre, Improbable, Frantic Assembly and Kneehigh.

What advice have you been given, and what advice would you give other groups who might be bringing a show to the Fringe?

The Fringe Office have been great advising us as first time Fringe participants, we would suggest to others to make use of the experience and advice they have to offer. Also, make sure you use of your free participants pass, the Fringe is all about supporting other companies as well!

Fringe festivals take place all over the UK with some great, some wonderful, and some just in a league all of their own which brings us to Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the worlds most famous, and biggest, fringe festival of it’s type. What makes Edinburgh so stand out is not just the level of Fringe shows but also the types of groups that come to the Fringe. Making up one of the most diverse and breathtaking Edinburgh Fringe stages is Underbelly which has become a firm festival favourite.

What makes Underbelly more than just another great partner at Edinburgh Fringe is that they put theatre, music, musicals, comedy & children’s shows. Making Underbelly one of the most diverse stages at the Fringe with literally something for everyone.

We are incredibly lucky to be able to bring you just a few of the shows that are going to be part of Underbelly 2010 and will be reviewing and interviewing as many of the acts we can. Underbelly know how to make a fringe festival work and this year their line up is going to blow you away!

Underbelly – Music

is coming to the fringe this year and if you have never experienced a Silent Disco event then this is without question something you really NEED to take part on. Put quite simply you get given headphones and get to choose what you listen to and you dance, take off the headphones and you will experience something out of this world. Silent Disco has toured all over the UK and Europe and their events SELL OUT pretty quickly and is something, I am happy to day, we have experienced at Concorde 2 in Brighton.

Dates are: 6-7, 12-14, 19-21, 26, & 28-29 – Midnight till 4am! You can book tickets 

The Not Quite Quartet have famous fans all over the place and you can’t do a Google Search without the guys popping up. Both Dale and Ricky produce music that is going to make you not only smile and scratch your head but also make you want to get up and join in with their pretty awesome show. The guys create a mash up of soulful sounds, guitar rifts, and beatboxing…what is there not to love about this show! If you want to know how good these guys are take a look at their Youtube Channel Here!

Dates are: 5-16, 18-29 – 19:25pm-20:15pm! You can book tickets 

The Magnets, am not sure I am allowed to say this but I am going to go out on a limb and say that The Magnets are one of my Underbelly favourite acts so far, they are simply going to stun and bewilder all those who come and see them. From their GMTV performance of “Crazy in Love” to their recent stint this year at The Roundhouse in London The Magnets have become one of the most talked about music groups on the scene…and it’s not hard to see why.

Dates are: 5-15, 17-30 – 17:25-18:25, Buy your tickets here 

Underbelly 2010 is indeed setting something of a high bar for the Fringe festival this year with a whole host of shows that are going to make everyones Fringe Festival. As well as these music shows other music shows are: Beardyman Unshaved, Five Guys Named Moe & The Ukulele Project – More information on all these shows and times can be found HERE.