This week we headed down to the Pleasance Courtyard to see one of the most exciting family shows at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Fantastically Great Women, showing at 13.30 between August 18-23 and 25-29, is an incredible show championing brilliant women that really packed a punch.
The pop musical is an adaption of the award-winning picture book written by suffragette descendent Kate Pankhurst and celebrates the lives of Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Emmeline Pankhurst and many more.
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The show delivers everything it promises in the title, along with incredible choreography and uplifting songs brought to life by a brilliant cast. The crowd were quickly captivated by the colourful set and the powerful opening song from a group of performers in bright matching costumes.
In an hour and a half you are transported back through history through the eyes of an 11-year-old schoolgirl who is feeling a bit stuck and fed up always doing what she is told.
It’s a tough age to be and really relatable to a lot of girls and women who have been brought up with the shadow of a society that has previously told us to take it on the chin, keep quiet and do as we are told.
Although a lot has changed for equality the world still isn’t there yet and the show addresses this which is important, but it doesn’t dwell on it either and highlights on how many incredible things women have done in some difficult circumstances.
The factual content is packed in but kept captivating for the crowd through the upbeat dance numbers and powerful dynamics. It’s definitely a family show and I can imagine if I’d seen this as a wee girl I would’ve left in awe with my mind spinning at all the opportunities out there just waiting to be grabbed.
But regardless of your age or gender I think anyone would enjoy this power packed performance that champions strong women who have achieved some incredible things and made history over the last hundred years.
The women in the show put on a phenomenal performance packed full of energy and passion that was maintained all the way through the show.
My only criticism is that the show was quite long, an hour and a half is long for a fringe show. The writers definitely had a lot to pack in but a few bits were slightly repetitive and I feel it would’ve been stronger if it was packed into an hour but it was a pleasant and fun packed show none the less.
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The show is described as: "The Fringe premiere of new kickass-pirational pop musical from one of the producers of hit SIX, that celebrates the lives of Frida Kahlo, Rosa Parks, Emmeline Pankhurst and many more.
"Join our inquisitive heroine Jade as she breaks away from her class to take a peek at the not yet open Gallery of Greatness in the local museum where she meets some of history’s incredible wonder women.
"Celebrated dramatist Chris Bush and No 1 hit songwriter Miranda Cooper (Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue) adapt suffragette descendent Kate Pankhurst’s award-winning picture book."
You can find out more and book tickets here.
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