‘Between Empires’ has the potential to be the jewel in the crown in terms of new musicals at the Fringe.
Set in 18th Century India, this is a story about love between a soldier and a Bengali princess and the politics of the East India Company.
From opening bars through to the finale, this was a musical and visual treat. The aspirations of the company to take this show to the West End should surely be fulfilled. The fusion of the sounds and atmosphere of India is complemented by excellent choreography and direction.
The music has a feel of Alain Boubill & Claude Michel Schonberg and has a number of really great numbers but overall the voices are strong and clear.
The plot is not too dissimilar to other musicals, but it is the overall production that exudes quality.
All the actors are on top of their game with the young couple George and Anala the main focus. The ‘villains’ on both sides bring a lot to the plot, but there is not a weakness in sight, unless you single out the absence of comedy when comparing it with other shows.
Edinburgh Fringe offers you the opportunity to say you saw ‘Between Empires’ before the London critics.
Runs to 24 August, 5.30pm