Fringe Review: HOLE!, Cowbarn at Underbelly Bristo Square
Photo credit: Chewboy
Hole! is back at the Fringe after being the talk of the town last year. The comedy musical is about a religious sect in Nebraska who wear butt plugs all the time because they believe that, one day, anyone not wearing one will be sucked off the Earth. And despite doubts by some in the community, it’s true. Whilst this may sound rather bonkers, which it is, what actually unfolds in the midst of the madness is a charming queer coming-of-age story.
The show is staged very simply. It is more like a live radio play than a traditional musical. The show is performed behind a table full of instruments and household objects that performers Jake Brasch and Nadja Leonhard-Hooper use to make all the music and sound effects. Whilst it’s not necessarily the most dynamic production to watch, it is incredibly creative.
Brasch and Leonhard-Hooper work brilliantly together. Their genuine friendship comes across clearly and they are clearly having a blast doing this show. Both deliver some great vocals throughout, as well as each voicing a myriad of different characters, characterising each one differently enough so we know exactly who is who. Meanwhile, they make sure the characters feel human so we can invest in the relationships.
Hole! is becoming a huge success here in the UK and in the USA - it’s great to see that the Fringe can, and still does, give marginalised voices (here, the LGBTQ+ community) a platform to tell a story that could resonate with enough people to become something hugely popular more widely. We’re looking forward to seeing what comes next for Hole!. Perhaps a more fully staged version or even an animated film for adults?
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush