Wallace & Gromit: In Concert (Ed Fringe Digital)
Wallace & Gromit: In Concert
(Edinburgh Fringe Digital)
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
This August, the single greatest celebration of arts and culture on the planet, Edinburgh Festival Fringe is back! For three weeks, the city of Edinburgh welcomes an explosion of creative energy to bring joy and excite audiences from around the globe. Due to the uncertainty of rules and anxieties for the arts industry, this year the Fringe has been given the opportunity to put their festival online! You still have the opportunity to see Edinburgh Festival Fringe in person, how to plan your visit is available here.
Everyone knows that musical experiences in your childhood can “improve memory, cognitive development, learning skills and expressive ability” (source). So being able to experience something like Wallace & Gromit: In Concert has the ability to bring in younger audiences with the unforgettable duo but also has the added layer of an outstanding orchestra to enjoy listening to as well. Wallace & Gromit: In Concert is part of the offerings for this year’s digital programme for Ed Fringe and it was undoubtedly a delightful bit of escapism in the evening. The concert promises a “cracking” show and Carrot Productions, Aardman and the Picture House Orchestra have certainly delivered it with this one!
The first half of the concert features never seen before scenes starring the iconic duo, Wallace and Gromit, backstage at the venue. The iconic duo who have been humouring people since their release in 1989 have interjections of music within their scenes. Played by the Picture House Orchestra, the ensemble feature an exciting blend of musical styles and are presented by Matthew Sharp.
Audiences are treated to some beautiful orchestral renditions within the first half, including Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody which sounds incredible played by an orchestra! The beautiful Clair de Lune provides the perfect backdrop for a montage of some of Wallace’s romantic ventures. A new piece of music Cut To The Chase plays scenery to some of the most memorable and thrilling chases that have happened in the duo’s history. The thrill and excitement of these moments in the films were really brought to life by the orchestra. Of course it isn’t without the instantly recognisable Wallace and Gromit theme tune which certainly had me tapping my toes away and felt incredibly nostalgic to hear!
The second half of the concert is devoted to a screening of the 1993 film, The Wrong Trousers and easily my favourite from the Wallace & Gromit library for sure. The orchestra plays the accompanying music, composed by Julian Nott and it felt like an entire fresh experience of watching this film, although I’ve watched it more times than I can count now! If you are a huge fan of Wallace & Gromit you will love the transitions between this Aardman classic and seeing the orchestra bring the atmospheric elements of it to life.
It’s a truly magical experience for children and adults to see all of the instruments and hear them all blend together to create unforgettable music. I just want to dig in and watch all of the Wallace & Gromit classics now! This is one hell of a joyous treat for the entire family!
You can watch Wallace & Gromit: In Concert as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Digital programme. Further information on how to book your tickets can be found here.