The Emu War: A New Musical

I absolutely loved this. The cast was phenomenal. Not a weak link in the bunch and they were all amazing singers. The songs were also amazing ranging from fun a catchy to downright beautiful. I came expecting to laugh (which I absolutely did) but was surprisingly moved by the show’s emotional depth. Also where have emu ballets been my whole life?

Saw about 20 shows and this was in our top 3 for the year! So much talent in the writing and performing of this brilliant musical! Bravo!

What a fantastic performance. I'm not sure what I expected booking this, but it far exceeded my expectations. A wonderfully talented cast, their singing could have been straight out of Broadway. The musical is so cleverly written, with songs that were hilarious and moving (sometimes both at the same time). One of the best things I've seen this fringe!

Just fantastic, funny and clever.

The best musical at Fringe. Every element of the show, from the humor to the more serious themes, from the clever writing to the musical arrangements and choreography, from the variety of song styles to the stellar performances all point to a brilliant future for this show and for these talented young people. I felt like I was witnessing the future of theater, in the most delightful way.

Absolutely delightful. A wonderfully talented young cast of singing actors a very clever script as well as good songs. I hope this gets a showing in London… I'd love to see it again.

Delightfully silly with plenty of great music throughout!

I found The Emu War to be nothing short of superb. I experienced tingling of joy in my body throughout the musical and was tearful with a cocktail of emotions at various points in the show.

The music is crisp and melodious with plenty of harmony and the singing voices of all the cast is world class (but not over the top). The acting, choreography and script are a delicious blend of comedy, mockery (of the Establishment), tragedy (of war), love and acceptance, generosity and kindness and care for these comical Australian birds.

We were sitting at the front, and, at a few junctures, I turned to look at the packed audience behind me and saw delight on every single face, from young kids to seniors. It was a thrill to be part of a sea of joyful storytelling.

Our experience was easily as satisfying as attending a full on West End Musical and to think that the writers, actors, directors and producers are just at the start of their careers gives me huge hope and inspiration for the future of this art form (and of humanity!).

Original, heart-warming, hilarious, inspirational - that's how I'd describe this beautiful piece of creativity.

Hilarious! Had us laughing out loud!

Great company with amazing voices! This show is so well written and the story is unbelievable!

Brilliant performance by the up and coming new generation of actors and singers. Brilliant show very very professional a must see

I think this musical has the potential to go much further. Very original, has heart and is funny. Another Operation Mincemeat?

What a talented cast! Loved it from start to finish - saw it at the beginning of The Fringe, and it is still one of my favourite shows! I'm not saying anything more, as I don't want to give anything away - just go and see it!

This was pretty much everything I wanted it to be from the show description. Light hearted, fun, slightly crazy and highly loveable. A proper feel good show that's impossible to dislike and fully deserves its packed out rooms. The cast were all brilliant and clearly enjoying themselves as much as the audience.

I did not know what to expect -- only that it was a history musical about a niche moment in the past. What I got? A heartfelt story filled with instant bops (that "villain" song!), as well as reflections on shellshock and the treatment of nature.

A joy and I hope to see this show grow and adapt in the future!

Such a great show. Obsessed with the emu costumes. The cast is very talented, the songs are catchy. This was a perfect start of the Fringe for me

What a fabulous show. The cast were tight and very well rehearsed. They looked like they really enjoyed their performance as did we. Singing was excellent. Stand out performances from the government official and the solider. Such a wonderfully unique show. The musicians added great depth, despite there only being two of them. Well done

Very funny. Fabulous singing and harmonies. You'll love it. Go see it.

Don’t see this show if you’re Australian. I am, and I found it hard to watch knowing no one in the creation of it is from Australia. However, credit where credit’s due, the songs and performances were amazing. Just wish it felt more authentic.

Saw the Emu Wars and it was so good very funny, the songs were catch and very original. The script was well written and produced and worked well.

I was absolutely blown away by this incredibly talented cast and band. The story is funny, witty, silly, and surprisingly moving. I may or may not have shed a tear or two at a certain point. I'm hoping we'll be seeing more of this in the future, because this absolutely deserves a bigger spotlight (and I certainly wouldn't mind a cast recording of their wonderful songs). Definite must-see this year, so go go go!

If you've seen Operation Mincemeat in the West End, it felt a bit reminiscent of that.

Super enjoyable show. Captivating from the first instant. Fantastic acting and sublime singing. The harmonies are wonderful. Great moments of hilarity and laugh out loud humour in a glorious story, balanced by unexpectedly poignant and moving bits, gently exploring some meaningful issues.

Really satisfying show. Incredibly talented writing, music and performing. Absolutely loved it.

Everyone in my family thoroughly enjoyed the show, especially the drummer, who stayed hilariously in character throughout.

Loved this! Truth is always stranger than fiction - and that is surely the case for Emu War. A talented young cast in a great new musical.

We loved this a lot. Not only do you a fantastic set of performers and singers, but the music itself is gorgeous. The story a treat from being amazingly silly to cute and poignant. Well done

A really fun show with touching moments and some hilarious lines. It was exactly the right amount of silly and a perfect way to spend an hour. Enjoyable for adults and kids.

A bizarre concept for a musical but boy it works! This was so funny and charming with an excellent cast. The songs, singing and dancing were all first rate. It reminded me a little bit of ‘Operation Mincemeat’ and look where that ended up. For me, this show is what the Fringe is all about. Special mention to the man on percussion dressed as an emu who did not come out of character for one second! Highly recommended.

This was an energised, fun and lighthearted musical
Which all the family can enjoy. The cast are talented and vocally brilliant .one of the best things i saw this year.

I didn't think this was particularly good. The writing is messy, with an overuse of repetition in lyrics - it felt like that they couldn't think of what to write at points, so just repeated a line over and over again. The plot, whilst being based on a true story, is a bit all over the place. There's an unnecessary love story shoehorned in, and jokes that are either cheap or trying too hard. The score - though well played and sung - is pretty forgettable. The person playing the government minister is excellent and I felt their scenes in the office were the best. Her assistant (who goes by many names - that was funny!) has a good number, spoilt by unnecessary dancing by the rest of the cast. Trust her with the song and let her just sing it! Have seen much better, tighter new musical writing this Fringe (namely Jaffa Cake on at the same venue).

By far my favourite show at the fringe! This show is a must-see, with something for the whole family. The music is both fresh and well structured, which is complemented by the extraordinary voices of each cast member, giving the performance a truly unique sound. It was refreshing to watch a musical that sounded a little different than the rest. The cast put on a spectacular and polished performance that kept the audience thoroughly engaged from beginning to end. The choreography and direction was superb and executed with finesse adding to the show's quirky charm. This is a production not to be missed at the Fringe—it will make you both laugh and cry. The cast, crew and musicians have put on a remarkable show and I for one cannot wait to see where this show goes next!

Really enjoyed this show. A talented bunch of performers.

To agree with Michael Shapiro on his review, while the performance was polished and well executed, the writing left something to be desired. There was something slightly unbalanced about the story arc, the actual "war" seemed over before it had started and the emu's, while performing some amusing movement numbers, were oddly inconsistent (unable to communicate, then later opinionated). The story may have felt cramped squeezed into the space of an hour and a longer musical would have allowed more character development/an extended character arc, however, there was a somewhat lack of plotline to substantiate regardless. Overall, while I thought the performance had enjoyable elements, it was not to my taste.

I have mixed feelings. On one hand, the performers are deeply talented, endearing, and have impeccable comic timing. The songwriting is also excellent. On the other hand, much of the show is sarcastic and cynical, despite the whimsical trappings. I also wish the story had been more consistently about the main characters, who get lost for long stretches.

Touching and totally entertaining story of Australia's Emu War and post WWI history. Creative staging, wonderful music and singing. One of the best Fringe shows I've seen!

Absolutely incredible show! Very comical retelling of the Emu War with an insanely talented cast. It made me laugh out loud and cry (which I wasn’t expecting).

Really do go and see this show!

Ps - it was fully sold out the day we saw it with people queueing to get in so I wouldn’t rely on getting tickets on the door

Absolutely loved this musical!
Amazing show with just the right blend of comedy, characters, fab actors, excellent harmonies and crazy Emu’s!
A must-see this year!

Fantastic show. Would highly recommend. Great songs, fab story. So funny. Wish I had time to see it again before I leave!

So good I went a second time.

The highlight of my fringe trip, The Emu War delivers the perfect cocktail of comedy and sensitivity. It had music that I was humming as I left and performances from actors who were clearly passionate and abundantly talented; and the music was beautifully delivered by just 2 musicians, including a very cheeky Emu!

The easiest 5 stars I could give. Well done to all involved.

What a gem!
As musicals go there won’t be many as enjoyable, well written and with such a fabulous cast.
Didn’t know what to expect but it gave you everything. The acting and singing was another level.
A show not to be missed.

It was quite fun. Some of the performers were very talented. The Emu War would be a great basis for a story, but this is more of a traumatized WW1 soldier's coming out story - not bad at all in itself, but it makes the show a bit tonally conflicted, and we would have liked more Emu focus.

This musical was fun, but there are better musicals at the Fringe (Jaffa Cake musical, Flo and Joan's one man show, pop off Michelangelo).

Please see this show, utterly brilliant, can't wait for the cast album!

A totally uplifting experience. You can’t help but come out of the theatre feeling joyous.

We didn't know what to expect when we booked the Emu War! Well, it's just the kind of show you hope you will find at the Fringe, clever, very funny, at times moving and terrifically well performed. We thoroughly enjoyed the show, a flying start to our day at the Fringe! We've all been googling emus ever since...

I loved this show! It was so much fun! The music was brilliant and the actors all gave incredible performances. It was funny and entertaining. Highly recommend.

Generally speaking I don’t like musicals but the story grabbed me. This was utterly fantastic. Hilarious, inventive, amazing performances and beautiful singing. The harmonies were amazing. Go and see it.

This is an incredible show. Brilliant writing, production and direction . The whole cast is immensely talented . The story and songs are so strong. Fast paced, funny, moving - just wow. The show has everything and more, which is exactly what the cast member who played Stephen told us when we took his flyer . I’m so glad we believed him . It was joyous xx thank you to everyone involved and good luck with the rest of your run .

Bravo to the cast and creatives of this show! Wonderfully written script executed by actors with a great comedic timing, a beautiful score that was both well paced and touching sung by some of the best voices in musical theatre I have heard in a long time. You really can't go wrong with this show and step away without a smile and a little more knowledge on a crazy time in Australia's history. A highlight of the fringe for me, highly recommend!

Go in expecting performers who are much stronger than their material. There are some funny part, but the show is 25 minutes too long, the story loose, the lyrics bland, and the jokes repetitive.

Really enjoyed this show! Singing, dancing and acting were all excellent. It made us both laugh, can’t believe it’s based on a real event! Would definitely recommend seeing this show!

What an “AWESOME” show, a definite must see. The choreography and harmonies are fantastic.
A talented bunch of young performers.
The Emu War deserves to be a sell out (you will not be disappointed).

Thank you Pearl Whirl Productions, an emutastic extravaganza. Informative, funny, sensitive, super songs & singing and your emus
were adorable. Always lovely to see a young cast enjoying their performance as much as the audience

Best thing I saw at the Fringe. It was funny, moving, creative and had really great tunes! The cast and musicians are really talented, and it's just such an interesting story, highly recommend.

Loved it - a ridiculous but (essentially) true story, fab acting, great songs with multiple harmonies. The actual emu war did take up less of the story than I'd anticipated though.

As we were leaving the auditorium I heard the crew telling each other excitedly that they were "on the board" - apparently this meant they were sold out for the whole run, and deservedly so.

A wonderful cast. A great script. Awesome songs. An absurd real story with a romantic twist. Two incredible musicians. 20000 EMUS. How can you miss this?

Great performances and wonderful voices! The absurdity of government campaign against emus and tragedy of young people being caught up in war told in a funny and poignant way.

Just go and see this show. Funny, beautiful harmonies, charming, well acted. The next Operation Mincemeat?

Heart, hilarity, and toe-tapping tunes! It’s me, and you, and emu! We chose this show for the funny title, but it turned out to be brilliantly written and very well acted and sung. The performers’ energy and joy is contagious. Highly recommended!!

Puppets were outstanding. Very EMUsing

Totally brilliant! The cast were all wonderful. I can’t recommend it enough

Exploring one of the most crazy historical wars, this musical really encapsulates the audience in this wild outback story. Full to the brim with fantastic musical numbers and about 20,000 emus, this is a uniquely brilliant show that will have you laughing your socks off.

A fabulous show - definitely a must see at the Fringe! Great cast with great singing voices. Clever telling of The Emu War - lots of laughs too. Enjoy!!

The best show I’ve seen at the fringe!
Funny, moving, fabulous songs and amazing cast. Loved every minute of it

So talented, what a fabulous show!

Please don't shut up, and take my money!
I got goosebumps, laughed, I laugh cried, I may even have cried at one point. This show was fantastic and I need MORE

BONZA BABES

I’ll tell you what we need, I’ll tell you what we need, I tell you what we need… AN ARMY OF EMUS!!!!

This was amazing! We enjoyed every single second, and would love to book again. If there’s one show you see during your time at the fringe, make it this one! Brilliant comedy acting and a concept that grasps you from start to finish. What a show.

This is a fun musical that has some really great parts, the cast work well to deliver this musical.

Unfortunately there are some sections that I think could be reduced to maybe condense this into an hour.

They were let down by some tech issues with the sound and there were moments where I struggled to hear dialogue over music, the lighting was also a little disappointing for a show in this space.

Overall it was ok, the idea is great I just think the execution needs a bit of work to polish it off.

The Emu War: A New Musical is based on real-life events in Australia, where the army was mobilised to take care of emus attacking farmers' crops. A comedy and drama in equal measure, the cast of six (plus two musicians, one of whom is (naturally) dressed up as an emu) bring the tale to life with skill and a lot of emu sock puppets.

The key to a good musical is when you can hum songs from it at the end, and The Emu War has that in spades. You'll be humming "Oh, it's me and you, me and emu!", "20,000 emus!" and "An army of emus!" for days to come, I'm sure.

Things take the turn for the surreal midway through, and you could argue the script didn't need to layer this in, but it all gels together nicely. The bird is the word, and word of mouth deserves to spread for this one.

(Instagram: @thejosselish)