Observations: Edinburgh's hit Oompa-fuelled show comes to London
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Munich's Oktoberfest may have downed its last stein for another year, but the Bavarian spirit lives on in London in the form of an Oompah-fuelled show that proved Edinburgh's most unlikely hit of the summer.
Blow Up! The Credit Crunch Musical has the sort of title that could make or break a run. But somehow this story of failed German financier Max Klein (alter-ego of stand-up comedian Charlie Talbot) was just what cash-strapped audiences were looking for, thanks to its energetic reworking of topical pop classics by the five-piece ensemble, Oompah Brass. Who wouldn't want to hear the concept of toxic assets explained via the medium of Britney Spears and a tuba? The show was a sell-out.
Talbot cites his days as a city head-hunter as inspiration for Klein, while Oompah's Nathan Gash and Patrick Johns put success down to that oldest of Edinburgh marketing techniques: busking on the Royal Mile. But A-level drama students couldn't compete with an RCM-trained trombonist playing Queen and the band was banned after a week for excessive noise levels.
Blow Up! now joins other recession dramas The Power of Yes and Enron in London. A national tour is planned for spring and there has been European interest – from Germany of all places. Coals to Newcastle, anyone?
To 29 Nov, King's Head Theatre, London N1 & Leicester Square Theatre, London WC2 (www.blowupthemusical.co.uk)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments