Fringe review: GIRLZ, Greenside @ George Street

Girlz offers a fast-paced tale of friendship, harsh truths, and love in this brand-new 60-minute musical.

The story follows a promising new girl band as they navigate their first year in the ruthless music industry. Throwing in an egotistical, sleazy music producer and a resentful wannabe boyfriend, we see the highs, lows and tough choices that fame brings.

The show features original music by Daf Hughes, who can also be credited for writing the show. The pop score is filled with catchy tunes, impressive harmonies and heartfelt ballads that effortlessly highlight the cast's talent. Complimenting the music is brilliant choreography by Monique Salle, which is bold, clever and impeccably clean - a standout aspect of the show. Director John Paul McCrohan (who joins the cast by playing Colin Cashman, the music producer) does well to use the small space and thrust stage, ensuring that all audience members are included and engaged in the movement on stage. This production is a shortened 60-minute version cut down from a longer show. This unfortunately, is rather apparent as the ending feels slightly rushed and a tad abrupt. Another place this show could benefit is a reworking of the dialogue, as some of the script seems a little on the nose and unnatural.

Alongside McCrohan, the remaining cast includes Meggie Hughes as an endearing Nicky, Daniella Mirels as pocket-rocket Alex, Abigail Wiltshire as an intriguing Charlie, Zoe Antoniou as a lovable Jaz, Luisa Edgecombe as a hard-working Kim and Ethan Emery as soulful Adam (Nicky’s Boyfriend). The whole cast offer captivating performances.

Although the plot offers fast-paced banter, lots of laughs and a tale of friendship, Girlz creates a real display of deeper experiences faced in the music industry, tackling issues like mental health, media trolling and sexual harassment.

This show is a real underdog at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. It tackles big issues with real finesse, and although feeling a tad rushed due to the cut-down run-time, it is a very enjoyable 60 minutes of new theatre that has an exciting future ahead.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Catriona Lamb

Girlz plays at Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 23 August, with further info here.