203theatre’s new musical Untold Wars wasn’t something I had planned on going to see at the Edinburgh Fringe this year. I only decided to go halfway through my time up here when I met one of the cast members who asked me to give it a whirl and – given that I didn’t actually have any musicals on my ‘to see’ list – I agreed. This was the best decision I have made in a very long time. No exaggeration.
The show exploded into action the moment the doors closed behind the audience. The combination of battlefield sound-effects and very believable acting within the first five minutes told me that this performance was not to be underestimated. Things only got better from there. The company showed off their phenomenal vocals alongside faultless piano and violin accompaniment, and although the choreography in some of the scenes looked physically exhausting, the cast executed it seamlessly. These performers have got it all.
At the end of the show, I scooped my jaw off the floor and looked around me. Everyone was crying.
The script is really quite admirable as well. The show unfolds over a series of tear-jerking sketches, rather than scenes all following one storyline. I found that this really unlocked Untold Wars’ ability to cover many different themes, as it didn’t have to justify the random plot changes. From stories of the frontline to the heartbreak of soldiers’ spouses, this musical – with its powerful monologues and Alan Jay Lerner-quality lyrics – leaves almost no stone unturned when it comes to analysing war and its impact on soldiers, their families and society.
At the end of the show, I scooped my jaw off the floor and looked around me. Everyone was crying. This was by far my highlight of Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2015. I simply cannot give it enough praise. 203theatre is a company of University of Leeds graduates and their new musical Untold Wars will be showing on 17th – 22nd August in Emerald Theatre, Greenside at Nicolson Square. Please go to see it!
Cameron Tallant