Review: OIL & WHISKEY, Old Red Lion Theatre
Photo credit: Robin Mair Photography
Two hours of live music is a rare treat at the Fringe. But the trusty watering hole that is the Old Red Lion pulled it off with relative ease. A two minute walk from the Angel underground station, 'Old Red' combines a traditional pub atmosphere with the very best in fringe productions. Last night was an enticing double header with a pre-show performance ahead of Oil & Whiskey itself.
Downstairs featured an excellent set performed by Kerry O'Dowd. A name that won't be familiar to many, but if this is anything to go by - not for much longer. Listening to this super talented vocalist, it's difficult to imagine how fame could have passed her by. Kerry belted out a selection of her own songs that were bright and tuneful yet with a bittersweet edge. She gently built a rapport with the audience, relating familiar tales of falling and failing in love. With a simple guitar accompaniment, Kerry blends country with blues and a twist of rock for good measure. It set the tone perfectly for the main course. Upstairs, the compact theatre space played host to Oil & Whiskey. A useful lecture style arrangement provides a clear view of the show. The well drilled six-piece band back four principal performers as the show cranks into action.
New York City is the scene of an unexpected reunion. Zelda (Juliet Perel) is a journalist who lost her job and now works in a bar to make ends meet. Old flame Teddy (Cornelius Versa) shows up and expects to re-start their relationship. Teddy ended the affair to pursue his ambitions as a country singer in Nashville, so why is he back now? Best friend Bree (Sarah Giulianti) warns her about going back to a relationship that was dead and buried. Bar owner Ray (KJ Nugin) agrees and champions the single life. But what will Zelda do, will she fall back into Teddy's arms or protect an already bruised heart?
This show had a successful run at both the New York and Edinburgh Fringe and works extremely well as a proof of concept musical. The songs are strong and carry the narrative superbly which all good show tunes should do. The four leading performers are excellent with powerful, pitch perfect vocals. Not only do they sing the songs but perform them convincingly; two disciplines that don't always go hand-in-hand. The band comprised of Sam Weston (bass), James Clarke (guitar), Hannah Richardson (keyboards), Jordan Farrugia (drums), Emily Sophia Rayner (backing vocals) and Charlie Weldon (backing vocals) are similarly brilliant, especially as they had to play in such a confined space.
The narrative is well trodden and follows the ‘ex-lovers-will-they-won’t-they’ scenario, but is elevated from the ordinary by the quality of songs. The big question is whether it's scalable to the West End and Broadway. It certainly needs a couple of additional songs and more characters to broaden the narrative but aside from that, the basis for transfer is there. With the right enhancement and staging, this show is definitely going places.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Brian Penn
Oil & Whiskey plays at the Old Red Lion Pub & Playhouse until 19 September, with further info here.
