Charles ii: Living Libido Loca

Ahh, free fringe! A wonderful opportunity to see performances without having to worry about the high ticket price. Also wonderful for performers to get a space without the high costs of venue hire.

I was really looking forward to seeing "Charles II: Living Libido Loca"! It looked like Horrible Histories with a bit more adult humour.

Happening in the cellar bar at CC Blooms, there is a "tree" onstage as we wait for the show to start. The musical begins with two peasants telling us about how life is miserable for Puritans, and it's all because of Oliver Cromwell. [BOOOO, HISSS!!!! Sorry, as an Irishman, my hatred for Oliver Cromwell must come out, even in my reviews of shows.] We lead into our first song, and this is where the issues with the show unfortunately start.

Look, free fringe venues are often grotty bar spaces that are not suited for a theatre show. I get that technical difficulties happen, and I am happy to look past them. I understand free fringe shows are also very low on funds, so I can also forgive costumes or sets being okay, but what I can't look past or excuse is that it was a musical where 90% of the cast couldn't sing. We don't need West End talent for a show where the songs are parodies of well-known pop songs, but we could surely have cast people who could actually hold a note.

What saves the show, though, is a very funny script and a fantastic performance from Kyle Paton as Charles II. What he might not have in singing ability, he most definitely makes up for in stage presence, charm, and comedic prowess.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly time at fringe with friends, something easy going to see after a couple of drinks in the bar above, this is the show for you. However, please be aware that it is a free fringe show, so the amount you give at the end is your decision. If you want to throw a tenner their way, happy days, but if you only have a couple of pound to your name then don't you dare feel bad about it. The point of free fringe is to support both performers AND audience, so don't let a show tell you that the show is worth the cost of the average ticket price for fringe because that goes completely against the ethos of free fringe.

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Hoping you all find some wonderful free fringe shows, and I hope you have a fantastic fringe!

Love,

Tony x