Bowjangles: Dracula in Space

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A sci-fi musical with a scary twist.  A string quartet consisting of two men and two women (including an unappreciated female viola player) jet off into space on a journey that makes Star Trek seem like a walk in the park.

The hierarchical rivalry of the musicians/space craft personnel is swiftly and amusingly established before a mysterious incoming message from a certain Dr A Cula summons them to a planet of danger and undeath;  who could have seen that coming?

The ensuing struggle to survive the attentions of the deadly but deliciously seductive Dr A Cula are played out - literally - with outrageous humour, terrific songs, inventively bizarre costumes and props and consummate musical and vocal skills.  To be able to play, sing, move and dance is a talent not to be sniffed at.  Frequent references to the group's previous CDs and merchandise, available to purchase after the show, "We have a card-reader..." - a mantra heard across the Fringe this year - were greeted with helpless laughter by the audience.  The songs are cleverly constructed, amusing and frequently pithy.  A highlight is an hilarious but biting song about the scant respect paid to women (and violas) in classical music circles.

The show is well-written and performed, a fast-moving, energetic, riotous entertainment, replete with musical skill - who would have thought that a cellist could play, sing and dance, all at the same time - and it is very, very funny.  Highly recommended and remember, you can buy their merchandise - they have a card reader...

Bowjangles: Dracula in Space is on at

Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose until August 27th

Tickets available here