One of the great joys of the Edinburgh Fringe is taking a chance on a title and discovering that the show behind it is nothing like what you expected. So it is with Camelton, playing at the Gilded Balloon’s Wine Bar. Anyone anticipating a whimsical musical about the Founding Fathers, or perhaps even their camels, is in for something rather different.
Instead, Camelton is a solo storytelling piece built around the extraordinary true story of veteran musical theatre writer, performer and producer Stephen Cole. Through a lengthy filmed introduction, we are introduced to a man whose career has intersected with some of the biggest names in the business, including Ethel Merman, and whose credits include The Road to Qatar, a cult Fringe success from more than two decades ago.
It is that production, and the remarkable circumstances surrounding its creation, that forms the heart of Camelton. Cole recounts how he was commissioned to write a musical for the Emir of Qatar to mark the opening of what was then the largest sports stadium in the Middle East. The sheer scale of the project is staggering, with vast casts, elaborate staging and, naturally, a healthy number of camels. As a story, it is undeniably fascinating, offering a glimpse into a world where musical theatre is produced on an almost unimaginable scale.
Cole is an engaging presence and those with a passion for Broadway and musical theatre history will find plenty to enjoy in his anecdotes. His affection for the industry is infectious and there is genuine charm in many of the behind the scenes revelations. At times, however, the narrative wanders. The route from one anecdote to the next can feel unnecessarily circuitous and the show occasionally slips into a catalogue of achievements rather than allowing the story itself to take centre stage. There are moments when the desire to establish credentials comes across as boastful rather than illuminating.
The presentation also creates some difficulties. As the action moves across cultures and countries, Cole adopts a variety of accents and character impressions. While clearly well intentioned, they are not always successful and can distract from what is already a compelling tale. The piece would arguably be stronger if it relied more heavily on straightforward storytelling.
Even with those reservations, Camelton remains an undeniably intriguing hour. Its execution may not always match the strength of its subject matter, but the story itself is surprising, unusual and memorable enough to send audiences away wanting to discover more about the remarkable career behind it.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
