EDINBURGH 2010: BWW Reviews: OUT OF THE BLUE 2010/08/13

Oxford acapella group Out of the Blue are on their way to becoming Edinburgh Fringe legends. As one of the most memorable highlights of my 2009 Edinburgh experience, I had to find out what the boys were up to this year. The line-up of Out of the Blue changes each year, as students move through the ranks of Oxford University, and fresh new faces compete for the chance to become part of the prestigious group. After being so impressed by the previous year's ensemble, the class of 2010 had a lot to live up to, but they succeeded magnificently by retaining the infectious Out of the Blue spirit that has enabled them to move this year into C Venues' largest theatre.

Out of the Blue are typical of student acapella groups in their choice of current pop songs to give the acapella treatment, but what makes them stand out is their level of talent in both singing and performance. Every member of the group sang well, with most taking the lead in at least one song. The show also benefits from well-executed, simple but fun choreography and a great sense of humour which kept the audience giggling throughout. A particular comedy favourite was the boys' version of No Diggity by Blackstreet - posh people rapping is always funny, but it's even better when accompanied by surprisingly impressive vocals.

The serious moments were just as enjoyable. The performance of Stevie Wonder's Knocks Me Off My Feet being my personal highlight of the show, with a heartfelt note-perfect lead vocal and gorgeous choral backing. Everyone has their opinions on the best plays, musicals and comedy acts of the Fringe, but I'm always on the look-out for those special shows which you'd only find in Edinburgh. Out of the Blue have already established themselves as an Edinburgh must-see, and hopefully their popularity will soon spread to a wider audience as this is an act that should rightly be a National Treasure.

 

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