REVIEW: Eurobeat, Pleasance - Edinburgh Festival ✭✭✭✭

Eurobeat Moldova

Pleasance

11 August 2016

4 Stars

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Remember when the Eurovision Song Contest was fun? Yes I know it's still supposed to be, but nowadays the fun feels forced and flaccid and overlong. How great to grab a flag and enjoy a retro contest with Eurobeat!

Our hosts for the ten song extravaganza are showbiz legend Rula Lenska playing strern host Katya Kokov, a woman who hasn't dressed to kill since her KGB days, and former Steps star Lee Latchford Evans as her more perky co- host Nikolae Nikovsky! They are a great pairing, and the more they relax and play with the audience, the more enjoyable they are. If you're looking for subtlety look elsewhere. This is high camp influenced by Carry On, and no cultural stereotype is under exploited, and the show is all the better for it! Whilst Jedwood have probably served their purpose as an Irish send up, and Sister Act the musical has super-ceded the Vatican City entry, most of the numbers are a hoot. I loved the Norway entry Thors Hammer and the Netherlands urge us to take the fingers out of the dykes. (Just give in to it!) Latchford Evans is in fine voice, Rula Lenska reminds us old enough to remember Rock Follies, that she is a commanding singer, and the energetic ensemble work their glitter balls off! Pick a flag, grab a drink connected with that country and join in the fun. If you have ever voted at Eurovision you will love it!

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Photos: Darren Bell