Showing @ Festival Theatre, Edinburgh until Sat 29 Sep
Susan Boyle is a cultural phenomenon, whether we like it or not. Her 2009 debut album reached No. 1 in both the UK and US, and the YouTube video of her first Britain’s Got Talent audition went viral, with over 2.5 million hits on the most popular link within 72 hours.
Over the last few years, speculation about who Susan is and what she’s like has often presented mixed ideas. But, Susan Boyle is no longer just a person, but a concept; she is the Billy Elliot of the middle-aged. I Dreamed a Dream is the story of an unlikely fairytale, told through the eyes of an improbable superstar: a 50 year-old singer from Blackburn.
Whatever you expect, this won’t be it. The pace is fast, the energy high and the staging is theatrical, classy and slick. Elaine C Smith’s portrayal of Boyle is funny and fragile; she eloquently captures Scottish humour in the most frustrating and devastating situations. A backdrop of TV screens is used for projections, news reels and video clips of comments made by the characters on stage, giving the sense of a documentary-esque insight into the perception of Susan’s character. The brilliance of I Dreamed a Dream is in the simple understanding that she really is just like anyone who has ever aspired to something better. In an image-obsessed, media-manic society Susan Boyle encapsulates the 21st century’s ‘American Dream’ and it’s clear that hers is a story well worth the telling, even though right now, it has no end.
Listings:
King’s Theatre, Glasgow
Mon 1 – Sat 13 October
Mon – Sat eves 7.30pm
Wed & Sat mats 2.30pm
Tickets £12 – £34
0844 871 7648 (bkg fee)
www.atgtickets.com/glasgow (bkg fee)
I could not agree more! This story is worth telling, and this play is worth seeing! I encourage all who have yet to see this delightful, thoughtful, and inspiring piece of musical theater to do so!
I’ve read many positive reviews of this great musical, but you really nail the core of it.
Glasgow 2/10/2012. This show was excellent. Elaine C Smith was first class and she could not have had a better supporting cast. I must also compliment the technicians for their part in making this show such a success. The sound effects and lighting were spectacular. In fact I enjoyed this show so much I would love to go back a second time. Susan appearing at the end made the whole experience delightful.