10/08/26

Pleasance Dome (Queen Dome), Edinburgh

Most years at the Fringe we chance upon a show that’s so unashamedly good-natured and uproariously entertaining that it’s impossible to resist its pull – and more often than not, that show can be found at the Pleasance Dome. Coincidence? Or are there darker forces at work? (Cue eerie music.)

This year, that show rejoices under the unlikely title The Shocking Truth About Flat Earth – and the fact that the Queen Dome is absolutely sold out suggests that word has already got around about this feel-good lunchtime production. Meet Sharon Hargreaves (Emma Norman), a woman of a certain age, who – like a lot of characters at this year’s Fringe – is coming to terms with a bereavement, though in this case, it’s her beloved dog Sam who has… trotted off. Sharon is spending a little too much time on YouTube and is getting particularly interested in the titular topic, because – well, why not? You have to pass the hours somehow. Sharon’s best friend, Debs (Emma Thornett), is worried about Sharon and impulsively books two tickets for a trip to Las Vegas to watch Adele in concert. As you do.

But at the hotel where the twosome are staying, a Flat Earth Society is having a convention and somehow Sharon gets mistaken for guest speaker, Angela (Leonie Wall). Before she quite knows what’s happening, Sharon has er…agreed to lead an expedition to Patagonia to establish once and for all that the world really is flat. Accompanied by dim-witted online influencers, Bobby (Tom Dickerson) and Brodie (Wall, again), along with ‘just-passing-by’ explorer Dave (Michael Joseph), the intrepid Sharon sets off with high hopes and absolutely no skills whatsoever.

With a book and score by Alex Moneypenny and Adam Tuffrey, this Wolverhampton Grand Theatre production takes off at a sprint, Karl Steele ensuring that his directorial foot is kept firmly on the accelerator throughout. The five-strong cast work their socks off to deliver a hilarious and exhilarating series of songs, dances and quick-fire asides. There’s plenty of audience interaction, the singing and dancing is surprisingly impressive and, while we all kind of know that the expedition is going to ultimately slam into a brick wall because… flat earth… it matters not one jot. Bobby, Brodie & Co. have their red Make Earth Flat Again caps on and huge grins on their faces as the audience delivers a heartfelt standing ovation.

If you’re looking for something deep and meaningful, well, maybe look elsewhere. If on the other hand, you’re seeking an hour of pure unadulterated enjoyment, head for the Queen Dome without further delay – and don’t forget to take your protein bars. It’s a long hike to Patagonia.

4.6 stars

Philip Caveney