Technically: A Musical is an absolute must-see for anyone working on a show, both behind the scenes and on-stage – and a fun watch even if you’re not.
The musical explores a cast of characters known only as their stage jobs: Lights, Sound, Director, Stage Left, Stage Right, and so on. They become the everyman of the theatrical world and are characterised expertly, with references to life on a tech crew so accurate that they are guaranteed to draw groans and laughs from those in the know.
Once you’re past a slightly stiff opening song, Technically: A Musical is a constant stream of witty jokes from a cast that knows how to keep the pace up and moving in the best possible way. The deadpan humour and direct looks at the audience welcome you into the script and make you feel like part of the group. It’s a show that knows its audience perfectly and is well at home at the Fringe.
Some of the voices aren’t quite strong enough to be heard over the music, but it’s hard to tell whether that’s a technical issue or not. It’s a shame because the lyrics that can be heard are witty and tightly written to deliver wisecrack after wisecrack, along with some heartwarming emotional beats.
There are riffs on Shakespeare and common technical fallouts that show that Technically: A Musical is definitely created by a team seasoned in the theatrical world. Each character brings a fresh and authentic voice to the cast, creating a well-balanced ensemble that creates space for each other to shine.
It’s admittedly a shame that the only blonde on stage falls into the ‘dumb blonde’ stereotype, but Stage Left’s affable nature means the audience loves her anyway. Indeed, you fall for each and every person on stage, with no one left wanting for their time in the spotlight.
Technically: A Musical should be compulsory watching for every director – and will be enjoyed by everyone else, from lights to stagehands.
