Buried
Underbelly Bristo Square
Reviewed by Freddie Lee on the 16th August 2018
If you're anything like me, a tale of two serial killers who fall in love doesn't sound like the show you'd be watching on an afternoon in Edinburgh. However, it's safe to say that I am now obsessed with this show and I am so glad I made a visit!
Buried is a new folk inspired musical about two people called Rose and Harry. When they meet on a date by chance, they find out something extraordinary: they're both serial killers. It's unbelievable what the team have done in bringing to life such an abstract musical in such a small space like a lecture theatre. To top it all off, the production is well polished and beautifully staged which adds to the the elegance of the show.
As I mentioned before, the two leads are called Rose and Harry and they are played by Lindsay Manion and Sebastian Belli who are both perfect individually and together. Lindsay's portrayal is so charming yet sinister at the same time and her flawless vocals really bring the character of Rose to life. Her change of emotions and how she portrays that throughout the show is something that is really surprising and it also brings a sense of depth to the character which is nice to see. Sebastian as Harry has a perfect mix of melancholy, sadness and dark comedy, his performance is captivating throughout. Lindsay and Sebastian have the most brilliant chemistry together onstage and their rendition of 'This Other Life' is stunning.
Apart from the two leads, there is only an ensemble of four. Alexander Cosgriff, Niamh Finan, Laurence Hunt and Rebacca Yau all do an equally brilliant job at making this show even more special with their various characters which are often entertaining and often murdered by the two serial killers. With a very small cast, it is unique how they produce something so good that it rivals some West End and UK tour productions.
This is a folk inspired musical and it is evident that a lot of careful thought has gone into the music and how it was going to be performed. It is an original score written by Cordelia O'Driscoll with lyrics by her and Tom Williams, both the creators of the show. It's unusual to see folk music being used in a musical but it works beautifully with this story. Both upbeat and sorrowful, it's a mix of music that fits the story perfectly and has been tailored to suit the characters.
Buried is a new muscial written for today to highlight the fact that love is unique to everyone. With exceptional music and a story that will bring tears to your eyes, it is certainly not one to miss at this year's Edinburgh Fringe.
Buried is currently playing at Underbelly Bristo Square at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Do you have a show you would like me to review? e-mail me at freddieelee@gmail.com
Thank you very much to the team at Buried and Underbelly, for inviting me to see and review their show!
