Fringe Theatre Reviews: RCS's Musical Theatre

Urinetown [★★★☆☆] is essentially about peeing. Private facilities and outdoor urinating have been banned and the government control large public fee-based amenities: it’s a strange concept. The cast are extremely talented, displaying so much raw energy as they dash across the stage in a manner both inspirational and exhausting. Said talent is what ultimately saves the play, as the storyline ends up being a little too strange and disgusting to be truly convincing as a musical – although there are some witty moments in the script, and the ending is unconventionally interesting. It is tightly put together and has clearly been very well directed, plus the music is well arranged and the songs are very catchy; they'll most likely be stuck in your head for days to come.

Under the Ground [★★★☆☆] is a heart-warming play about the lives of strangers and how they touch our own while simultaneously being so distant from us, explored through one young woman’s journey on the subway. Through song and movement, the audience get that familiar sense of being in a crowd yet feeling so incredibly isolated, before witnessing the beautiful moment when two complete strangers confide in each other for a short space of time. Once more, the students of RCS demonstrate their incredible talent and energy in a show that, while not particularly original, is extremely watchable. It's witty and warm, a nice breath of fresh air and optimism – definitely go and see this if you have a free hour in your schedule and a hankering for some singing.

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Urinetown, Assembly Hall, 'til 30 Aug, 11:45am, £13/£11 (£12/£10)

Under the Ground, Assembly Checkpoint,'til 31 Aug, 3:10pm, £11/£9 (£10/£8)