Fat Club: The Musical

C    5 - 31 August @ 14.40    Fat Toad Theatre Company

From the moment the doors open to this venue, we are all under the stern, unflinching criticism and comment from Bonnie (Judie Matthews) who has a mission to rid the world of ‘under achieving over eaters’. Not exactly a model of charm!

Her ‘class’ of 5 introduce a range of stereotypical characters – a bit like 'Stepping Out’ wanting to lose weight – but played with gusto and occasional brilliance. Perhaps a greater variety in age and physical type would have helped convey a more believable group of ‘misfits’.

In a show boasting 14 musical numbers in 70 minutes with lots of interaction with the audience, this is as enjoyable a light-hearted hour and 10 you can find at Fringe 09. Special mention for Amy O’Neill for her wonderful singing as Sarah. The company demonstrate some good harmonising and if the sound balance against the playback tape can be modified, this show will improve over its run.