Fringe Review: RAVES R US, Belly Button at Underbelly, Cowgate
There are plenty of ways to experience theatre at the Fringe, but there aren’t many where you can reasonably expect to leave feeling like you’ve just been to a rave. Raves R Us is exactly that.
The story centres on Charlie and their friends, a group left without jobs or much hope after the closure of Toys R Us. Rather than accepting that things are going to sh*t, Charlie has an idea: take an abandoned warehouse and turn it into somewhere people can escape, let loose and feel like they belong. What follows is a journey through rave culture, friendship, rebellion and the desire to find something worth holding onto when the world around you feels increasingly bleak. The whole cast make a wonderful and suitably wacky ensemble and are completely dedicated to the madness.
But really, the story is only one part of the experience. Because Raves R Us wants to throw you into the party, and when the audience properly gives themselves over to it, this show absolutely soars.
There is something wonderfully chaotic about being surrounded by music, lights, glow sticks and performers who are determined to make you part of the madness. The best moments are when the distinction between performer and audience almost disappears and the room genuinely starts to feel like a rave rather than a theatre show.
Our biggest note is simply: let us stay there longer!
There are moments where audience members are brought into the action, start getting properly involved and just as the energy is building, they are sent back to their seats. Give those moments a few more beats. Let the audience find the rhythm, let the chaos build and allow the room to really erupt before pulling everyone back into the show.
Because when Raves R Us stops asking you to watch and starts making you participate, you understand exactly why this production has found an audience at festivals, Glastonbury and beyond.
It is drug-fuelled, glow-stick-waving, sweaty, loud and gloriously chaotic, but there is a surprisingly sincere heart underneath it all. This is ultimately about people who feel discarded finding their own little pocket of freedom and community.
It’s not trying to be the most polished piece of theatre you'll see at the Fringe, and frankly, that isn't really the point. It wants to give everyone a good time and let them let loose a little!
And when the room is properly up for it, you absolutely do. Fortunately, our room was up for a good time! Thankfully, this is a late evening show and not at 2pm!
If you want a traditional night at the theatre, perhaps don't come dressed for Raves R Us. If you want to be handed a glow stick and temporarily lose all dignity…come get on the dancefloor.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: James Edge
Raves R Us plays at Edinburgh Festival Fringe until 30 Aug, with further info here.
