Review: 1966, Edfringe

A jukebox musical is a fun choice for a Fringe production, and Talking Shadows‘ 1960s-based show 1966 at The Space on the Mile is just that. It’s performed with plenty of enthusiasm and energy from a young cast, whilst looking at a pivotal point in social and musical history. 

The production begins with Pat giving a eulogy at her brother’s funeral and remembering the fun times they had together. As a framing device, it’s a little levered in: we never get to find out when, where or how the brother died, even when it’s returned to at the end. It does, however, give us an opportunity to see what is apparently a flashback to one of those times.

It’s 1966, and the day that England goes on to win the World Cup. A group of friends are meeting together to watch the game on the telly. As we spend time with them, a selection of fairly stereotypical characters offers us a snapshot of what life expectations were like back then for young people. They include a traditional dolly bird who only thinks of marriage and being attractive to males, seen in contrast to a clever girl, planning against convention to study medicine. The latter is, of course, patronised and mansplained to by the cheeky chappy wide boy, with an entitled and overbearing attitude. 

A smattering of casual sexism and general racism in the dialogue will be all too familiar to anyone who lived through the period, but seems a little shocking in today’s climate. Of course, people didn’t really talk about being gay back then, so the rather camp young man Timothy has ‘Only the Lonely’ as his anthem.

The show uses a selection of period songs to punctuate and comment on the action, all well delivered and pleasingly nostalgic. There is familiar music from Carole King, The Beatles, The Kinks and others. It’s pretty upbeat, and the cast each takes a turn to sing a solo, often accompanied by some pretty sharp harmonies. 

The set design and costumes are suitably retro, with the action centring around a colourful sofa, and it’s kind of fun to have all the teens squashing on together in front of the television. However, the choice to use tiny stools alongside the big box is a poor one because once sitting, the actors drop out of some sightlines behind it. There were a few technical issues on the day, with the lights and sound not quite in sync at times, which was a little distracting but easily solved for future performances.

It’s interesting to look back at a focal point in history in order to see the distance we have – or maybe haven’t – come, and this is an enjoyable work that does just that without digging too deeply. There’s fun to be had here if you’re looking for some light entertainment during the Festival.

Written & Directed by Rebecca Vines
Produced by Talking Shadows

1966 plays at The Edinburgh Fringe until Saturday August 23