Review: Lovesong

This is an astonishing one-man show delivered by Omar, who also wrote the songs and written and directed by Che Walker, an MTM Award-winner last year for ‘Been So Long' which also had Omar in the cast.

The language of the dialogue is poetic whilst being real - listen for the ‘concrete' theme - and it concerns a character from a none too savoury neighbourhood - a musician trying to get over messing up the relationship with his ‘ESP mate'. The reality of this tale comes not from his relationship with his lost love, but his relationship with the kid next door. The dreams he talks of for this child are genuinely touching and moving - a real sense of hope.

Without ever becoming preachy or sentimental, this story commentates on our dysfunctional society and leaves us with the realisation that our children are ALL our children.

The musical numbers are more a commentary on the plot rather than taking us somewhere new in the story, but this could be easily remedied. The songs are wonderful - like listening to new Stevie Wonder tracks written for this character and delivered with genuine soul.

Concise, beautiful and worthy of an hour of anyone's time in Edinburgh.

15/08/2010