Review: AcaDemic at the Edinburgh Fringe

This was a charismatic performance by the Fitz Barbershop and Sirens, writes Gemma Pimlott

‘Their warm and charming performances elicited thunderous applause’John Preece

by Gemma Pimlott

Monday September 12 2016, 3:34pm

As a capella performances go, this was simply one of the best. Performing to a packed audience at the Edinburgh Fringe, Fitz Barbershop and the Fitz Sirens had something for everyone. Both are single sex groups, based at Fitzwilliam College but open to all, performing frequently throughout term. The Fringe run was a warm up for their joint tour to China this September.

The Sirens opened the show with a lively rendition of ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’. A varied selection followed, including Adele’s ‘Make You Feel My Love’ and ‘It Don’t Mean A Thing’. The group’s love of performing together was evident throughout and their impressive vocal range gave the audience goosebumps. Anna Kaye’s informative introductions made for a slick performance.

Up next were the boys, who came on stage so enthusiastically that Colm Talbot took a tumble as their outrageous socks met a slippery floor. Kitted out in their usual attire of clashing waistcoats and straw hats, they certainly looked the part. Again the audience interaction was fantastic and their warm and charming performances elicited thunderous applause. The feel good songs of ‘Come Fly With Me’ and ‘Mary Lou’ contrasted well with the more mellow, ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’. The audience was entranced throughout.

The Fitz Sirens’ ‘love of performing together’ made an impact on the audienceJohn Preece

The Sirens’ second act emphasised the group’s perfect synchronisation, with a dynamic rendition of Duffy’s ‘Mercy’ being the highlight. Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I Will Survive’ ended their set, well-suited to the last performance for graduating Harriet Rachel and Pippa Quincey.

The Barbershop had a lot to live up to and did not disappoint. An appropriate Scottish folk song, ‘Loch Lomond’, complete with seemingly effortless ‘Macarena’ choreography, proved an Edinburgh audience favourite. The show ended with Queen’s ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, a fitting song to show off the group’s vocal versatility and enigmatic performance.

There’s something very refreshing about listening to amazing voices without instruments, and as a performance, the Sirens and Barbers blew away the other a capella groups on show at the Fringe.

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