Book: Roger Dipper
Music: Rick Pearson
Lyrics: Roger Dipper & Rick Pearson
Choreographer: Arlene Phillips
Director: Shiv Rabheru
There are not one but two shows based on the campest, if not stupidest trial in recent memory at The Fringe this year. Based on the infamous ski crash incident in Deer Valley where retired optometrist Terry Sanderson claimed Oscar-winner and wellness guru Gwyneth Paltrow skied into him causing “life-changing injuries”.
Awkward Productions Gwyneth Goes Skiing caused a global theatrical fuss when it was announced last year and has had multiple runs before its arrival in Edinburgh. When another was announced hot on its heels and was revealed to also be heading to the Fringe, interest was heightened and comparisons inevitable.
While Linus Karp and Joseph Martin’s play with music, is an intentionally ramshackle, uproariously eccentric and anarchic take on proceedings, the big guns have been deployed in Roger Dipper & Rick Pearson’s incarnation. Starring first-class West End talent: Idriss Kargbo (the Judge), Tori Allen Martin (as Terry’s Lawyer Kristin Fangirlin), Marc Antolin (Terry Sightworsens) – the names have been changed to protect the not-so innocent, and X-Factor semi-finalist Diana Vickers as Gwyneth, there’s also choreography from the legendary Dame Arlene Phillips – all for a “fringe” production.
The anarchy is also embraced here in I Wish You Well… and it is as camp as you would wish it to be. Like the other production across town, much has been taken directly from the actual trial reporting and in some ways, the reality is as bizarre as what is presented in this star-spangled spoof.
The tunes are all banging and are belted out with power by the all-star cast. The lyrics sharp and funny and the laughs land well with the audience. The acting and energy first rate. There are scene stealing moments from each of the quartet, all getting their chance to shine.
At one hour running time, the production is packed and it comes to an end more sharply than you’d maybe wish. An extra half hour could easily be added to send it out on a national tour. I’m sure that I Wish You Well… will have a life beyond The Fringe and this won’t be the last we see of it.
Runs until 26 August 2024 | Image: Mark Senior
The Reviews Hub Score
Star spangled spoof
