The Last Five Years

1. “The Last 5 Years.”
Never-Ending Theatre, a LGBGTQ+, non-binary group from Edinburgh, produces in a tiny space a big-stage-worthy “The Last 5 Years,” Jason Robert Brown’s 2002-premiering story of a 5-year relationship between Cathy and Jamie as told by Jamie from the ecstatic beginning to the bitter end and as told by Cathey in the opposite time and emotional sequence. Alternating in songs, Sarah-Louise Donnelly and Claran Wolsche each give jaw-dropping performances, bringing incredibly powerful voices that display amazing ranges of expression. A stunning beginning to our Fringe.
Rating: 5 E

What an amazing performance! Sarah-Louise was perfect as Cathy & put her whole heart into every song, and Ciaran sounded almost identical to Jeremy Jordan from the movie version. The band just brought everything together and nailed every song.

I’m just baffled at how much it took to put this show on, yes a phenomenal cast. But the band, led by Josh wood, Incredible! The lighting and sound creating the split environment needed for these characters. The set, simple yet effective, the five pieces creating so many sets. Starting with a couch, throughout the show we see a desk, a bar, a vanity, an alter and many more. The grey colour also emphasises props brought on. Just truly amazing all around! Well done all envolved!

This show in three words emotional, raw, intense! In the best senses of course! Donnelly and Walshe bring a certain chemistry to their own roles. Donnelly's Cathy is so emotionally charged! She creates a whole world for us to take part in. And Walshes Jamie has such a fearless chaos about him, not typically found in this character but adds a new level of meaning to Jamie. Well done cast!

This was a phenomenal production. Sarah-Louise and Ciaran were sublime in their roles. Singing excellent. Sound balance perfect. Band exquisite. Acting nuanced and enthralling. I am super critical when I go to the theatre, but I genuinely had no complaints about this. I love the show, and Never Ending Theatre more than did it justice. This piece works so well in the intimate space, where we could see absolutely ever element of the nuanced performances and clever staging. I cried three times, and was genuinely affected for a good hour afterwards. Well done all!

A beautiful show with a very talented cast!
The only note I have is that the sound design was horrendous. Even in the mid-height rows the mics were turned up much too high and some of the more belty moments genuinely hurt because they were way too loud.
Also unsure why this was tagged LGBT...
Overall a good show that I would definitely recommend as the sound design is in no way the performers fault.

10/10 Loved this performance. I didn't anticipate crying at 10:30 AM on Tuesday, but there we were! Such strong performances. Sarah-Louise is an exceptional Cathy. Catch this show while you can!

So loved this show. Completely captivating. Excellent acting, music and production. Wasn't sure what to expect before we went and we were all so impressed and glad we went. Thank you

Many years since I had seen this show ; more than 5 I think

Lovely vibe and well executed though a felt a little nervous about the moving boxes!

The band were great and seemed to be really enjoying it

Both actors amazing ; strong performances

What a beautiful show! Fantastic performance from Ciaran and Sarah! They are are very skilled professionals, I did feel their expressions of a range of emotions were genuine, and that's what I need in a show of this kind. I thoroughly enjoyed this musical. The musicians were really good. Great use of prop and lighting supported good use of the stage. I would highly recommend this show to anyone.
FiVE STARS from me!!!

This was the first show we saw at the Fringe and what a way to start. Thoroughly enjoyed it with excellent performances.

Terrific show and fantastic performances. Would highly recommend ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Five Star performance ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Live band and cast were unreal. Not to be missed.

Fantastic show, loved every minute of it. Huge applause to the Cast and Crew. It’s a Captivating show of 2, ‘Cathy’ and ‘Jamie’ who were both amazing.
So lovely to have a live band too.
Well done guys ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Amazing preview! Flawless performance, 90 minutes passed in a flash. I’ll be back for more. ❤️