• Review For Us
    • In London or across the UK
    • at Edinburgh Fringe
  • List Your Show
  • Advertising
  • Musicals
  • Plays
  • Ballet & Dance
  • Previews
  • First Look
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
  • Home
  • News
    • West End
    • Off-West End
    • Regional & Tours
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Digital Theatre
  • Tickets
    • Discounts
    • Musicals
    • Plays
    • Opera
    • Dance
    • Concerts
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer
No Result
View All Result
Theatre Weekly
No Result
View All Result
Home Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Edinburgh Review: Out of Woodstock at Underbelly, Cowgate

"Max Beken delivers a standout performance"

by Greg Stewart
August 19, 2024
Reading Time: 3 mins read
Out of Woodstock credit Tom Foreman

Out of Woodstock credit Tom Foreman

Four Star Review from Theatre WeeklyOut of Woodstock at the Underbelly Cowgate is a gripping exploration of youthful rebellion and the chaos of Woodstock ’99. Written and directed by Tom Foreman, this psychodrama delves into the turbulent journey of a 90s teenager, Robbie, who seeks solace in the infamous festival following a heartbreak.

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of the festival that was supposed to revive the feeling of love and freedom, the show is a volatile mix of nostalgia, anarchy, and self-discovery, set against a backdrop of iconic music from bands like Limp Bizkit and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The music is a highlight, including hits from multiple eras. Different pockets of the audience reacted as different songs were played, and you can see how the show will have stirred up memories amongst those who watch it.

       

The production is enhanced by this dynamic soundscape and the lighting design, which effectively evokes the frenetic atmosphere of Woodstock ’99. The psychedelic sequences and rave scenes are particularly well-executed, loud, and overpowering, immersing the audience in the festival’s sensory experience.

Max Beken delivers a standout performance as Robbie, embodying the character’s descent into a substance-fuelled odyssey with remarkable energy and passion. His portrayal captures the raw emotions and moral complexities of a young man grappling with identity and belonging amidst the festival’s chaos.

You mightalso like

I Wish You Well credit Mark Senior

Edinburgh Review: I Wish You Well – The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical at Underbelly George Square

Mark Oxtoby and Phoebe Panaretos

Edinburgh Interview: Mark Oxtoby and Phoebe Panaretos on Silence! The Musical at Underbelly

Beken’s powerful performance conveys both vulnerability and defiance, which adds depth to the narrative, drawing the audience into Robbie’s world. Voiceovers are used to portray additional characters in the story, and their inclusion further highlights Beken’s masterful performance.

Foreman’s script ambitiously tackles issues of youth culture, excess, and the search for meaning, yet occasionally falters in delivering a cohesive message. Some plot points feel underdeveloped, leaving certain character arcs unresolved. This is most noticeable as Out of Woodstock attempts to address misogyny and the treatment of women more broadly. Despite this, the production’s strengths lie in its ability to provoke reflection on the parallels between the past and present.

Out of Woodstock is a compelling piece of theatre that captures the spirit of a tumultuous era while resonating with contemporary audiences. It is a raw and energetic portrayal of a pivotal cultural moment, even if it occasionally struggles to fully realise its thematic ambitions. This production is a testament to Foreman’s growing reputation as an exciting playwright.

Greg Stewart

Greg Stewart

Greg is an award-winning writer with a huge passion for theatre. He has appeared on stage, as well as having directed several plays in his native Scotland. Greg is the founder and editor of Theatre Weekly

Related Articles

I Wish You Well credit Mark Senior
Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Edinburgh Review: I Wish You Well – The Gwyneth Paltrow Ski-Trial Musical at Underbelly George Square

Mark Oxtoby and Phoebe Panaretos
Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Edinburgh Interview: Mark Oxtoby and Phoebe Panaretos on Silence! The Musical at Underbelly

OH OH, photo by Djamila Agustoni
Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Edinburgh Preview: OH OH at Underbelly (Udderbelly)

Come Dine With Me The Musical
Edinburgh Fringe 2024

Edinburgh Preview: Come Dine With Me: The Musical at Underbelly (Cowbarn)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Twitter Facebook Youtube Instagram

At Theatre Weekly we give theatre a new audience. You'll find our theatre news, theatre reviews and theatre interviews are written from an audience point of view. Our great value London theatre tickets will get you the best deal for your theatre tickets.
Theatre Weekly, 124 City Road, London EC1V 2NX
  • Join Our Community
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising

Recent News

Full cast of Shucked credit Pamela Raith Photography

First Look Production Image Released for Shucked at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Original cast recording Behind the Scenes. Company. Photo Juan Coolio

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Original West End Cast Recording to Be Released by First Night Records

© 2022 Theatre Weekly

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Tickets
  • Digital Theatre
  • News
    • News
    • West End
    • Off West End
    • Regional & Tours
    • Digital
  • Interviews
  • Reviews
  • Contact Us
    • Join us as a Reviewer

© 2022 Theatre Weekly