Fringe Review: THE SHOCKING TRUTH ABOUT FLAT EARTH, Queen Dome at Pleasance Dome
Photo credit: Tyler Whiting
Following last year's revival of I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre have brought a brand new musical to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth.
Sharon is grieving and lonely. To drown her sorrows, she has turned to the internet and fallen down several conspiracy rabbit holes including the belief that the earth is flat. She finds herself at a flat earth convention and after a case of mistaken identity, she's off on a road trip to the wall at the edge of the earth.
The book, by Alex Moneypenny and Adam Tuffrey, is certainly funny and the comedy all feels incredibly natural - the jokes are never forced. Their songs are catchy with a good mix of upbeat company numbers and heartfelt ballads. It's clear they intend to flesh the show out into a full two-act musical but this unfortunately means the characters and relationships don't feel fully developed.
Emma Norman leads the cast as Sharon with buckets of heart. Despite the character holding many ludicrous beliefs, we long to see her find happiness and meaning in life. Emma Thornett is lovely as Sharon’s friend Debs - she also demonstrates impeccable comic timing throughout the show. A musical number for Debs is absent here so hopefully this is something that would be added in an extended version.
Tom Dickerson and Leonie Wall are outstanding in their supporting roles. The pair deliver some of the stand out vocal moments in the show. They characterise YouTubers Bobby and Brodie perfectly. Wall is deliciously villainous as Angela, whilst Dickerson is endearing as Bobby who becomes Sharon's almost adopted son. Michael Joseph is entertaining in his various roles - hopefully his role as Sharon's husband would be extended in a two-act version.
The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth has the bones of what could be an excellent new comedy musical. Whilst it does feel a little rushed in this initial version, it's still an enjoyable show that will make you laugh and send you out with a smile on your face.
*** Three stars
Reviewed by: Jacob Bush