This is the fictional tale of a former Nashville country star, Marcy Aurora, who ended up in jail for killing her husband, but after 20 years is out and wanting to make music again. This premise in itself reads very much like the drama of a country song. We meet an older woman, not apologetic for her life, but ready to take her place in society again, who is back in the studio trying to record. The other person in the studio, a young woman, is off stage much of the time, heard only from a microphone at the back of the room.
Aurora is performed by Biz Lyon who plays and sings live. There is a great deal of talk about her voice not being what it was, and the rawness of performance. While Lyon is an engaging performer and her onstage energy fits the defiant persona of Aurora, the voice that is onstage is not that of a former country singer, even with a rusty voice, which lessens some of the believability.
There is a twist in the tale which works well as a concept. The moments in the run up to, and after the twist is revealed, could be revisited in terms of direction to strengthen them as the layers that the revelation needs are not there yet. With some further exploration of this, it could lift the show further into the gem that it could be.
Show Time: 14-24 Aug @ 20:15
Zoo Playground
Ticket Prices: £10-£12
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/midnight-in-nashville
Warnings: Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, Strong language/swearing. Space accessibility: Accessible entry: Through main door and down a short corridor. Wheelchair access type: Level Access. Stairs: None. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets. May not apply to all performances.
Age: 12+ (Guideline). Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 18 months.