Roe McDonnell
What happens when you allow some of the most watched women get hold of a mic and not tell their stories, sing it? Footballers Wives tells the stories of the lengths women would go for their husbands and the backstabbing and sex that comes with it. Plotting the murder of the chairman of the football club and horrible stag and hen dos form the backdrop of this Eastenders style drama and at times self deprecating comedy. This stacked cast of West End names from Lessa Tulley, India Chadwick to Ceili O’Connor bring their vocals and comedic ‘A Game’ to this almost sell out hit already but in my books, the story doesn’t hit the mark.
A story like this already has its audience attached and if you don’t enjoy shows like love island, Hollyoaks or Real Housewives this story is not for you but if you do, you know exactly what you’re in for. The gaps, laughter and ‘oh you screwed up’ hums ring loud during each show with everyone wondering how are they going to come back from this one? As the plot thickens and the realism is in the drain after the first chord I couldn’t help but feel uncomfortable with every ’strategic’ move.
There is no doubt that this is one of the ‘highest quality’ shows at the Fringe, with an auditorium in the hundreds, mics, costumes and elaborate props the budget this production had matches with its musical quality. The live band and sound system doesn’t feel like a Fringe sho, instead a professional run you expect a second half to and a packet of crisps in the interval.
Footballers’ Wives allows the audience to be a fly on the wall of these ‘experiences’ and see the true forms and clicks of the dinner party fashion choices and comments but didn’t feel open to anyone who didn’t know the sorts of drama and politics that matches with the sequins and the tight fabric.
If you love a bit of drama to start an evening go down to the Assembly Rooms until the 24th August.
You can catch Footballers’ Wives: The Musical until August 24th at Music Hall at Assembly Rooms from 18:35 (90mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Jake Mace
Jasmine Silk
Phoebe Bakker
