Have you ever wondered what the politics are like behind the scenes in a boyband? This is probably a pretty accurate depiction. This musical has it all, from the geeky member maturing (to become the most horrible one), a gay bandcest storyline and original songs that wouldn’t sound out of place on a One Direction album. MAN!FEST are Ash, Ewan, Cody and Ruben and we follow their journey into superstardom. Despite tweenage fans screaming for them left and right, selling out tours and having a platinum certified album, a lot of hurdles come for the band, and this is where the show truly begins.
The band’s American management starts discussing the idea of maturing their image as their fans grow up in anticipation of their third album, and decide that the album will be written collaboratively by the members themselves this time. Ewan, in typical wannabe leader fashion, wants to write all the material to secure his future solo career. This spirals into management forcing Ruben to break his previously adorable purity and pushing Cody to the verge of starvation to preserve his abs. The acting on display is superb, as are the musical performances from each band member. It goes into some wider issues present in the boyband scene, like being forced to keep a certain image and sweeping allegations against members under the rug. In particular, the developing romance between two of the members is a sadly accurate reflection of how these artists are treated, with the way they present their sexuality to fans being more important to their management than their own happiness.
This show is full of laughs, brilliantly funny pop songs and all the chaos you’d expect to see in a JLS or One Direction biopic. While there is some important commentary on toxic masculinity and the public image of boybands, it is largely overshadowed by the silliness, which makes it an incredibly enjoyable hour. Just pray it doesn’t rain when you go to see it!
MAN!FEST: The Drag Boyband Musical, 16:00,The Green at Pleasance Courtyard Aug 5-31 (not 12, 17, 26)
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/man-fest-the-drag-boyband-musical
