Moving On: A New Musical

Wednesday 6th August

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When I first started coming to the Edinburgh Fringe (in1986) most venues were based in the New Town, based around the Assembly rooms. In recent times most shows have moved into the old town and it dawned on me that nowadays we rarely ventured over the bridges. This was a shame as not only were we missing some beautiful areas but there were loads of shows I just wouldn't consider for our itinerary. So, last year I made the decision to allocate a day to watching shows only in the New Town. It was such a big success that I decided to repeat this experience. So, after enjoying shows at the Assembly Rooms, The Stand and Fingers Piano Bar we returned to the Hill Street Theatre. 

One of our favourite shows of 2024 was a version of "Kinky Boots" at this venue which we loved, so when I spotted they were staging "Moving On: A New Musical" there I was hooked. When taking our seats I enjoyed listening to "Being Alive" from Stephen Sondheim's "Company" and was impressed by the confidence that what followed could stand comparison with the great man. I should not have worried as it soon became clear that we were in safe hands.

The stage is full of boxes and we soon discover that a removal company has been hired to clear a deceased person's property. Gradually, the three of them (all siblings) uncover unusual goings on, including ghosts, and that one of them is in mortal danger. If this sound a little Scooby Doo-ish, it is, and that is the point, it is quite tongue in cheek and well aware of its genre and style. The surprise of the evening is how well written and performed it is. Happy Sad Productions are a young Scottish company who have bitten off a lot here. It is hard enough writing a new show, especially when it runs one hour forty five minutes, though it does include the least likely event at the Fringe festival, an interval. 

In a youth company the acting can be a little uneven but I am delighted that all seven of the cast were universally excellent and everyone held the audience's attention during their moments in the spotlight. I won't name everyone in the cast but I will give special credit to Heather Richardson, Marc Robertson and Orla Bayne who excelled as the siblings. In a show which could be described as gentle knock-about fun they brought added tension and pathos to the brothers and siblings who bickered and argued like you would in real life.

Perhaps the real stars of the evening are the writers Amber Docherty (also producing a beautiful cameo as Miss Crustwell), Roza Stevenson (also the director who kept the momentum ticking along brilliantly) and Josh Wood (also the Musical Director). The music is catchy and the lyrics are both funny and poignant when required.

For me the whole point of the Edinburgh Fringe is to uncover hidden gems, in unusual places. "Moving Out" at Hill Street Theatre delivers all that and more. If you want to see an enjoyable fun musical and perhaps spot some stars of the future rush to this venue. A company definitely worth watching. (DC)

Moving On: A New Musical is playing at Alba Theatre at Braw Venues @ Hill Street daily until 14th - details here