Remember, Remember! | Queen Dome at Pleasance Dome (Ed Fringe)

Remember Remember! is a hilariously camp fictional re-telling of the infamous Gunpowder Plot Of 1605. Produced by WIT? Theatre, this musical retelling of the true event becomes a fringe delight as it leaves audiences in explosive fits of laughter. An award winning musical which brings out the vibrant energy of the Fringe; Remember, Remember! is a show that bursts onto the stage in a wonderfully camp, clever and catchy musical that celebrates its brazenness.

The musical sheds light on the lesser known leader of the Gunpowder Plot, Robert Catesby, and the reasoning and his plans to blow up the houses of Parliament; amusingly, making the show rather informative as well as entertaining. As the rebels begin to protest against the Protestants and King James VI, audiences are given an unique insight into the actual plotting. The musical also answers the mystery of who sent the anonymous letter that eventually foiled the whole plan.

Remember, Remember! leans into the absurd and wacky at every opportunity, frequently using pop culture references, swearing and catering to tropes. The musical has primed itself to make audiences laugh, filling the show was a new height of camp as each of the characters make the most dramatic choices, leading to hilarious consequences. The friendship and inner politics between the four (five, including a lucky front row participant) conspirators keeps the audience entertained, resembling a fun sitcom in of itself. However, the show manages to outdo itself with the characterisation of King James, nicknaming him Jamie and turning him into what can only be described (including the show's own description) as a very camp and insufferable twink. This characterisation immediately puts the musical in a world of its own, with a winning character who has the audiences in stitches.

The show's humor is reminiscent of British staple Horrible Histories, but if it were aimed for adults. The plot is never sacrificed in service of the comedy, which is particularly appreciated. The company also includes gender bent casting which leads to a particularly hilarious plot twist towards the show's climax. The cast all play multiple roles which adds to the sense of mayhem that really helps fuel the show with infectious joy.

Written and performed by WIT? Theatre Company members Lucy Buncombe, Ross Tomlinson, Tom O'Kelly, Kluane Saunders and directed by Alex Pritchett, the show feels punchy to a point of perfection. The show is sold out, a feat at the Fringe amongst thousands of shows, cementing Remember, Remember! as a hot ticket. Megan Fortune is the show's stage manager, aiding the company as they emerge for all over the audience, with quick changes.

The musical numbers are catchy with witty lyrics, providing the show with some fun movement and fast paced energy. Isabella Guilar serves as musical director and sole band member, providing an impressive range of musical numbers for the show. Pritchett's direction also includes choreography for the songs, giving the production yet another strength.

Buncombe takes on the role of the famous Guy Fawkes, presenting him as a charismatic individual with an earnest portrayal that feels semi-grounded and yet still playful. Saunders is fantastic as Robert Catesby, with a refusal to be subtle and delivers a delightfully dramatic character. Tom O'Kelly is a scene stealer throughout, taking on a multitude of roles that feel more like caricatures, creating several laugh out loud moments even when he's in the background of a scene. O'Kelly is given a brilliant chance to shine as a plot twist towards the end with a performance that pulls out all the stops. Ross Tomlinson, however, immediately eclipses the show with his King Jamie. In a portrayal that cannot be contained, Tomlinson quite literally explodes, leaving no one safe from his larger than life presence that is simply irresistibly camp.

Remember, Remember! is a fun hour-long musical that sits perfectly in the Fringe programme, and yet manages to bring a refreshing unique tone.

Remember, Remember! is currently playing at 17:15 the Queen Dome at the Pleasant Dome until 30th August - tickets and more information can be found here. 

★★★★☆ (4*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Kit McCarthy