REVIEWS

What The Papers Say… Reviews from London run 2010

“A spirited, silly, but wonderfully sung epic tale…  handled with a deft, light touch, with every scene infused with a playful spirit that flirts with the knockabout but stays (reasonably) credible… Technically, it’s as tight as a drum, with the four accomplished singers producing an impressively focussed a cappella soundtrack, while still having enough fun with their preposterous story to make for an entertaining 80 minutes. It’s a cross between farce, surreal comedy and cabaret – a sort of Follicles Bergere, if I can be permitted a second hairdressing pun. Robert Castell, who co-wrote the show with Tom Sadler, steals every scene his Esteve is in, thanks to his expressive features and clown’s sensibilities towards physical humour; while Lara Stubbs, the only female member of the troupe, has a deliciously underplayed charisma The fast-paced, tautly directed (by Sarah Tipple) show keeps the action, the gags and the general nonsense coming – while ensuring the story retains a genuine heart to keep you absorbed throughout. With remarkably accomplished and effortlessly enjoyable comedy such as this, barbershop might just regain some of its long-lost kudos.” Chortle (full review by Steve Bennett here)

“Writers Rob Castell and Tom Sadler prove themselves a formidable team, writing harmonies and lyrics that are quite simply breathtaking. Both take leading roles in the show: Castell plays Spaniard Esteve with comedic perfection and Sadler changes character with flawless ease. His evil hairdresser Trevor Sorbet very nearly steals the show in terms of comedy moments. Sarah Tipple’s direction is beautifully executed, the limited space proving no challenge for the all-singing, all-dancing, occasionally murderous cast. Barbershopera II is 80 minutes of four-part harmonic perfection; it is an incredibly funny, ridiculously silly piece of theatre.” **** Whatsonstage.com (full review here)

What The Papers Say… Reviews from Edinburgh fringe 2009

‘As accomplished and original as the first outing, this second helping is just as delicious. It achieves the balance of portraying the acapella barbershop style whilst mixing it up and inter-cutting with pop songs, perfectly complementing a stunningly delivered line with a left-field idiotic one. The four-strong cast are supremely capable singers and comedic performers who delight in their roles, making the slapstick farce and lyrical absurdity appear delectably effortless.’
***** Edinburgh Guide (full review here)

‘A delightfully cod opera of equally balanced melodrama and idiocy. It is silly but, then again, so are most operas, and Barbershopera’s approach to their subject is pitch perfect.’
**** Metro (full review here)

‘All of the performances are terrific – each perfectly blending sharp comic timing with effortless singing. While the humour is often physical, the story is surprisingly touching. You’ll find yourself caring about the characters despite, or even because of, the fact that they’re so silly. If you’re sick of plays with dismal subject matter, then this is the one to really cheer you up.’
**** The Scotsman (full review here)

‘A glorious display of silliness, told in a capella song by four fabulous performers. The acting is deliciously over-the-top, and the singing is witty and sometimes genuinely astonishing. Sarah Tipple directs with clarity and turn-on-a-sixpence slickness.’
***** Whatsonstage.com (full review here)

‘Our four entertainers work precisely in rich, a cappella harmony, though the catchy songs never feel stuffy or overly technical. Funny and clear lyrics align seamlessly with slapstick action that fills the stage, and the riotous energy of the show is maintained even during a delightful foray into shadow puppetry.’
***** Edinburgh Festivals Magazine (full review here)

‘Writers Castell and Sadler and director Sarah Tipple have created a fast-paced technical tour de force that manages to be sheer entertainment at the same time. And thanks to the efforts of this dazzling cast, the combination has created a subtle slice of cutting-edge comedy.’
The Stage ‘Must See Show’ (full review here)