Billed as the world’s first Theremin-based musical, Falling in Love with Mr Dellamort arrives at the Edinburgh Fringe with a bold promise: to blend Gothic sensibility, quirky comedy and a rollicking pop score into a mysterious tale of love and mortality. With a cast of West End talent and a Theremin artist flown in from New York, this European premiere certainly doesn’t lack ambition.
The story centres on Mr Dellamort, a peculiar and magnetic host who invites three lost souls to his pristine seaside guest house for a New Year’s Eve party. His guests are unaware that Dellamort has a hidden agenda: he knows they will fall in love with him. But when an unexpected visitor arrives, the tables turn and it is Dellamort who finds himself swept up in romance. The plot promises intrigue and emotional depth, but the execution often falls short.
Jack Feldstein’s book and lyrics, paired with Paul Doust’s music, struggle to find a consistent tone. The dialogue is clunky and frequently confusing, with jokes that rarely land. It’s unclear whether the piece is aiming for comedy, drama or camp, and many character motivations remain frustratingly unexplored. The musical jumps between genres at a dizzying pace, which adds to the sense of disarray.
That said, there are bright spots. Several songs are genuinely strong, and the cast deliver them with gusto. Robert Tripolino is sensational as Dellamort, his West End-honed vocals elevating the material and providing much-needed clarity and charisma. Grace Farrell and Chris O’Mara also shine, bringing emotional nuance to their roles.
The Theremin, played with clear skill by Cornelius Loy, is a curious centrepiece. While its eerie tones suit the show’s supernatural themes, it often feels more like a novelty than a necessity. At times, it evokes the sound of nails on a blackboard, and one can’t help but wonder if there’s a good reason why this instrument isn’t more common in musical theatre.
Still, Falling in Love with Mr Dellamort has moments of charm and originality. A mysterious musical with a haunting heart, and with refinement, this could become something truly special. For now, it’s an intriguing but uneven experience.
