It’s your classic musical comedy storyline, there’s a man covered in lizard scales who is free to roam around during a monster-based festival in which he meets a man on a popular same-sex dating app. The tale may not be a classic, but it makes for a very entertaining show.
Whilst the premise of the musical is another veiled way of saying that everyone is unique and we should celebrate our individuality, the style and quality is much less cliched. Firstly the musical quality is very high, given the fact that the entire show features just three people. Each actor is able to play a variety of instruments, their vocal harmonies are well-executed and the songwriting is varied enough to suit each mood and tone of the point of the show the audience finds themselves in. Something in shows like this that can often be lost is the acting quality during musical numbers, but the facial expressions and body language throughout the songs fit well with the mood they are creating.
With regards to the comedy, it feels as though that factor is slightly lost in the early to middle part of the show. Whilst there are some jokes that work well, and that get a laugh from the audience, this show feels as though it is more about being a great musical than a great comedic musical.
In spite of this, “Lizard Boy” is wonderfully weird compared to most musical shows at the Fringe this year, and it has been written, produced and performed to a very high standard. Even though the comedic factor arguably gets lost in parts of the show, there are still some funny moments. The most important factor is that the musical quality is first-rate, and even those who are not necessarily fans of musicals are likely to enjoy this show.
Lizard Boy, Gilded Balloon, 18.30, August 10-14, 16-28
