Flo (keys) and Joan (percussion) are largely emotionless throughout this 70 minute trot through the career of Andrew Lloyd Webber. It’s as if they disdain its entire premise. (Even though they wrote it).

Crashing onto the stage is the man himself (played by George Fouracres). Tall, handsome and young; not even remotely like the Musical Theatre God he portrays. it’s as if the (F&J) sisters are ashamed of the creature they have brought to the stage.

Fouracres is quite brilliant at portraying ALW, completely devoid of impersonation.  That in itself is a genius of this show. His performance is, from start to finish, fearsome.  It’s screamingly funny and kind of surreal as he lashes out at the audience, theatre-land, and the indignity of performing in, ‘A pissy courtyard where no-one knows where they are going’ (true).

Theatre is everything to ALW. ‘No-one bad ever goes to the theatre. Nothing bad ever happens in the theatre – except Jukebox musicals.’ And yet, here he is trapped in a Fringe venue that does not live up to his expectations.

We hear of his arrogance ‘We [him and Rice] were fast becoming the Lennon and McCartney of Songwriting.’ A line that’s typical of the excellent script by F&J. We hear of his Sarah’s. Two wives of dubious dating; one a near child; one a nearer child. It’s genuinely funny stuff.

The musical numbers land. The script is joyously good.  And the story is factually correct, mostly. F&J have a deserved rep at The Fringe.  This does nothing other than cement it.

One Man Musical is at Beyond at Pleasance Courtyard until Sun 30 Aug 2026