Wallis – Ed Fringe 2024

Wallis: Fleming Theatre theSpace @ Surgeons Hall

22nd August 2024

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Returning to the Fringe after a successful run of ‘Guilty of Love’ in 2023, BramwellBrand’s latest musical tells the story of a woman swept away by circumstance, and the King who gave up his crown for her. Prince Edward, bored with the constraints of monarchy, falls in love with an American divorcee, Wallis Simpson, and gives up everything for her. This original musical aims to retell the famous royal tale of Wallis Simpson: but is it a love story, or is she a woman trapped by her own ambition, fuelled by the eye of the media?

This brand new musical by Jane Bramwell (Book and lyrics) and Michael Brand (composer) is well written and fits the period era perfectly. The plot tells the story of how Prince Edward (David at the time) and Wallis met. It gives real emotion to Wallis who is often seen as a scarlet woman and is criticised by media and public alike. The cast are all very good in role with Megan O’Hara playing Wallis with great class and poise. Through the subtle acting and beautiful vocals the audience begins to understand Wallis more and how she came to fall in love with the Prince. The ensemble cast are excellent with some lovely character cameos. There is a clever use of a musical telephone switchboard to move the story on a good pace. Simon Pavelich brings Ernest Simpson alive and his solo number is fantastic and Rhys Anderson is just as you’d expect of Edward VIII.

The story moves at a good pace and feels distinctly set in the upper class 1930’s period with the great use of staging, costumes and props. The tiny stage is used fantastically by director Joanna Harte, and also includes a small amount of clever choreography which is performed well.

Wallis is historically accurate and brings the characters alive. The music is lively and engaging with clever lyrics, accompanied by piano. It is engaging and enjoyable and having just won the Derek Award for Best Musical at the Fringe it is definitely worth a visit during its last few shows in Edinburgh before it ventures to London.

For more information and tickets click here.

AD – PR invite in exchange for a honest review.