High Fidelity

I am told that Opening Night at High Fidelity required some hefty discounting to create a decent crowd. By night #2, word of mouth had led to an almost full house, with audience loving this quirky but moving musical.

High Fidelity centres around record store owner Rob, as his relationship with his girlfriend Laura breaks down. David Wallace is superb in the central role, delivering an excellent performance as this flawed but loveable character. He sung and acted beautifully, although I did need to sit on the edge of my seat to hear him over the air conditioning and band, during some underscored highly emotive moments.

Caroline Perks is lovely as Rob's girlfriend Laura - while the new object of her affection is played with a great comic touch by Luke Daly. Laura's best friend Liz is wonderfully played by Kimberley Harris.

A collection of crazy character staff and shop in Rob's record business. Kyle Kash and Richard Maganga deliver very warm performances as Rob's friends and colleagues. Jake Tolich shines as a guy known as 'The Most Pathetic Man In The World', with great surprise moments from Paul Treasure, Caelan Steedman and Tyler Eldridge.

A chorus of ex-girlfriends torment Rob's thoughts but delight the audience. Kimberley Harris, Alyssa Burton, Natalie Cox, Molly Earnshaw and Emily Botje work expertly together and provide some great insight into Rob's past. The cast is nicely completed by Allison Harrison as the intriguing Marie.

A live band under the leadership of Musical Director Ethan Walters plays well from behind James Earnshaw's nicely designed and versatile set.

This is very much a plot focused musical, with an intimate feel. A tight and focused cast and crew deliver a power punched production that is a pleasure to experience.

Kimberley Shaw

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