Blow Up - The Credit Crunch Musical

The GRV    6 - 28 August @ 16.20    Clown and Bear Productions

The GRV in Guthrie Street in Edinburgh on Monday afternoon was  the warmest theatre I have been in - ever - and I think the six performers in Blow Up - The Credit Crunch Musical were much hotter that I was but they nevertheless managed to carry off this unique and entertaining piece with flair.

This is the story of the very personable and informative German financier Max Klein, told by his good self, aided and abetted by an excellent brass quintet who find ways to comment on the story excellently. The topics of the piece are clearly identified early on as finance, band and gently making fun of German tourist culture.

The script is intelligent and witty and the band is great fun – if a little overwhelming in such a small performance space. They cover familiar tune after familiar tune in their Oompah style as Max reveals his descent from riches into rags and the musical finale alone is worth the price of the ticket – however steamed up and sweaty you find yourself.

Explaining finance concepts in a musical about little else is a brave task and Max and his musicians live up to it! Good luck on your next phase in your journey Max and long may the Oompahs resound!