geusog.txt

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http://www.nightnews.net/fringe2007.htm#gesog
Title: Guilds - EUSOG
5 silver bats
http://www.eusog.org/
http://www.eusog.org/shows/2007/guilds

26 08 07 - Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group never fail to 
entertain and this semi professional company punches well above its
weight. Guilds is a musical comedy about the intrigue and events 
surrounding the electoral battle between the Guild of Wordplay and 
the Guild of Slapstick in the election for the office of 'Official 
Jester' aka 'Village Idiot,' for the shire town of Haslemere. Guilds
is also notable in being an original work written by two members of
the society, John Davey and Alistair Braden. There is a serious sub 
text in the show, the program includes directors notes about things 
never being black and white and also perhaps that some things can be
taken too seriously e.g., electing a Jester! Meanwhile, onstage the 
cast 4 men, 2 women, and a chorus deliver enthusiastic, happy, 
amusing, good natured humour and sharp wit with lots of singing that
electrifies and enthrals the whole house for the full length of the 
show. Its not the most subtle of shows but neither is a custard pie 
and the line, 'Tough on mime and the causes of mime!' is truly 
hilarious! Musically both the solo pieces and the chorus excel and 
Rachel Wood (Amy) was especially impressive. The result of the 
election is a tie, the musical comedy is exuberant and flawless and 
the cast joyfully send themselves up in this pastiche of their genre.

By John Vassallo