Reviewed by Emily Crombie
Amelie the Musical opened at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh last night, directed by Michael Fentiman with the book by Craig Lucas, music by Daniel Messe and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messe.
Based on the 2001 film, Amelie, by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and Guillaume Laurant, Amelie the Musical is set in Paris and is an uplifting story of hope, beautifully told.
The atmospheric staging, lighting and music set the scene and conveyed the tone and emotion. Lots of subtle twists in the plot kept the audience engrossed.
The multi-talented cast of actor-musicians tell the tale of Amelie who leaves the confines of her overbearing parent for a life in Paris as a waitress. She has an unlikely group of friends, but she remains on the periphery of life. On the night of Princess Diana’s death, Amelie finds a box under the floorboards and focuses her energy in trying to find the owner when she comes across Nico, a fellow loner, who intrigues Amelie. After orchestrating positive changes in her friends’ lives, Amelie takes a leap of faith and does the same for herself and meets Nico.
The puppets of Amelie as a child was incredibly lifelike and cleverly incorporated, seamlessly slipping between child and adult versions of Amelie.
Audrey Brisson is perfectly cast in the lead role of Amelie with Danny Mac as Nico. The Elton John scene was very funny with Caolan McCarthy as Elton John.
The King’s Theatre is situated on Leven Street in the Bruntsfield area of Edinburgh. It is a traditional listed theatre with plans for refurbishment starting in 2021. The theatre is comfortable and the visibility was excellent from the back of the dress circle as the seats are steeply tiered.
Amelie the Musical runs at the King’s Theatre until Saturday 29th June and comes with a recommended age of 14 years plus.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £19 to £34 (booking fees may apply).
Amelie the Musical is at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh from 25-29 June 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.capitaltheatres.com or call the box office on 0131 529 6000.
King’s Theatre, 2 Leven Street, Edinburgh, EH3 9LQ | 0131 529 6000
