What do you do when the breakout star of your musical gets snapped up by SNL UK not two years after it opened, leaving his idiosyncratic performance to be filled? Such was no doubt the question on musical comedy duo Flo & Joan’s lips when George Fouracres signed on to the British version of the hit US sketch show, with a demanding schedule no doubt leaving him unable to commit to a return to Edinburgh.
Enter Ed Easton from the oc/cult sketch group Tarot, who takes over the role of ‘the man’ in a musical all about the life of a musical theatre titan (or, the musical theatre titan as he would probably prefer, judging by his attempts to monopolise the arts by buying up the theatres): Andrew Lloyd Webber. Further details of his life as reported by the script will remain a secret lest Lloyd Webber’s notorious legal team catch wind, but suffice to say these two indie musical writers do not pull their punches.
While the play itself is excellent and the songs a spot-on mix of Lloyd Webber-esque melodies and biting lyrics, a huge component of its success during its original 2024 run was lead Fouracres,whose performance was not standard Broadway fare. More important than perfect vocals were comic timing, improv ability, and the ability to cut a specific figure that invites pity and ridicule in equal measure. No surprise to those who’ve ever seen Tarot, Easton has them in spades. Jesus Christ, what a superstar.
One Man Musical, Pleasance Courtyard, until 30 Aug, 4.50pm