The Man Who Wouldn't Be Murdered

Very enjoyable show! Great premise, ultimately deeper and more surprising than I expected. Every cast member is to be applauded for singing the whole thing so well without mics and bringing their character(s) to such vibrant life. With good choreography and direction, the cast generally maximises the possibilities of a challenging in-the-round space (though some conversations do end up playing out while characters just walk in circles). Unlike most Fringe shows, this could have benefited from a longer runtime to flesh out story and add more of its very accomplished music. Lily Blundell deserves particular praise for scoring this, providing musical accompaniment live throughout, and still giving perhaps the best performance in the show. This deserves a bigger stage.

This show was an absolute treat- I highly reccomend that you don’t miss it! It was a hilarious watch that did justice to the fascinating story that inspired it. Performed by a cast of talented actors/ singers/ dancers/ drinkers/ what-ever-that-somersault-thing-was with the best vocals I’ve seen at the fringe.

A gem, really well written and presented! Some very realistic falls on the floor, slaps, shouting, drinking.. still humming the main bit "Malcolm Maloy is a sinner". Loved all characters and vocals, in particular the death and the pianist, would see it again and again. Bravo

A fantastically joyous musical, written and performed by Lily Blundell and a fabulous cast. Full of wonderful music, dancing and humour, which got a great reaction from the audience. Lily Blundell’s amazing piano skills and score brought the musical to life. The whole cast were sensational, and we particularly liked the charming drunk, Michael Malloy, and the energy he brought to the character. The best musical we’ve seen at the Fringe. This is one not to miss.

Fantastic show, still humming the tunes two days later. Definitely worth your time.

An absolutely brilliant show - fantastic score and amazing actors! Had such a great time (tapping my foot along the whole way through!) and can't recommend it enough!!!

We decided to see this based on the great reviews but left feeling less than impressed. Firstly, the show started 15 minutes late. The music score was ok but nothing special, and the vocals and acting were average at best. We would rate it 3/5 as there are far better musicals around.

Incredibly well performed hour flashed by and every member of the cast was incredible. 12 years of visiting the fringe this one is definitely worth seeing

Really brilliant show! I'm still humming the main theme the next day, plenty of laugh-out-loud moments! The writing, singing, and choreography all come together to make a very entertaining evening

Michael Malloyyyyy. That man just wouldn't die! Fun show, very well done ending.

This is definitely worth it. A close up show packed full of song and dance of a high level. Great performances from all. Would have stayed for another hour.

A highly entertaining, atmospheric show with a cast who are clearly enjoying every second of it! Lily Blundell’s composition is brilliant, and the decision to include her as both pianist and cast member was very inspired.

A great watch, with incredible performances from the cast. A favourite was Lily Blundell's inspired composition and keys playing which was a fantastic addition to a really enjoyable show!

A perfect way to spend 50mins! Amazing pianist (loved how they were a cast member too!) and incredible vocals from each of the performers. Loved how they used the space in the round and still every audience member was performed to. A great unexpected twist at the end too!

Most entertaining hour of my Fringe!
The hugely talented cast sing, act, dance and throw themselves into this original production with such obvious enjoyment and energy that it is impossible not to share their enthusiasm. Even more impressive when you realise that the musical was written by one of the cast members and that the whole cast are university students.
Highly recommended, don’t even think of missing it!

Come for the killer premise, stay for the powerhouse musical performances and stellar acting. The director did a fantastic job making the most of the theatre-in-the-round space, and the actors are clearly having a brilliant time in every role. 5/5 stars.

This show is hilarious and thrilling, with excellent choreography and direction that exploits the full potential of the in-the-round space. The entire cast is fantastic (and clearly having an absolute blast). Jaeyen Lian is a delight as Michael Malloy, the show's namesake, bouncing off the stage with apparently elastic mobility whilst demonstrating an equally impressive vocal range. Writer/composer Lily Blundell accompanies the show live onstage whilst playing Josephine, the hard-done-by wife of Jude Ashcroft's Tony Morino, and sharply counters his snarling bravado. Mia Urwin delivers an excellent turn as tough-as-nails Pasquire whilst Harriet Haylock rockets through characters at breakneck pace. Imogen Woods-Wilford provides comic relief as the foolish but lovable Barman, watched over by Emilia Grace's suave Death. The music is fantastic, stylised to transport the audience into the smoky prohibition bar where the show takes place. And beware - it'll be stuck in your head for a long while to come.

A slick production of a suave yet hilarious musical. I was completely captivated by the incredibly catchy songs, impressive vocal performances and flawless comic timing on show. The best thing I've seen at fringe this time around!

Loved this show! The speakeasy vibe was summoned in a small space, and the music matched it. For a pleasant change the singers weren’t miked, and they didn’t need to be in this space - it meant one could hear their voice quality clearly. There’s a lot of talent on show here: all the performers could sing, dance and act. This show deserves a bigger audience!

So glad I took a chance on this show - it was MUCH better that I expected. A full concept of a musical condensed into a small square stage, cast of 7 and 50 minutes. Great storyline, accomplished singers / actors and the fact I am still singing one of the songs speaks for itself in terms of music. I believe this is a group of friends, hope they have great success with this show - please go and see it!

Enjoyed the show, it made us laugh. Mostly impressive singing however we felt that some of the songs had been written slightly too low for the actors to sing confidently. We would recommend going and seeing this show.

Well, it's one heck of a true story to base a musical on, but is all the better as a black comedy because of it! Lily - the writer and composer I believe - deserves a medal for finding the subject story of a drunk man during the days of prohibition America whose friends(?!!) decide will make an ideal life insurance subject to richly benefit from. But can they??? Watch them try to a fab bunch of songs sung with style, panache and harmony, with choreo, in the round of a lovely cosy theatre space. For those who know Dave Malloy of Great Comet and Ghost Quartet fame (come on you wonderful American tourists!) the soundtrack is an absolute treat and the cast are talented, charming and clearly having a blast. You honestly wouldn't realise that they are students who have been studying other stuff, such is their comfort on stage. And it's all conducted without mics, so really shows off some great singing skills too. The show is macabre comedy at its best. Enjoy! And then tell everyone else you meet whilst at the fringe to come along and enjoy it too :0)

A musical that's 90% done (which is a lot!). They don't just have music, but also some dancing plus all the movements are choreographed to the smallest detail. It is FUN TO WATCH! The noir story taking place during the Prohibition is no more realistic than James Bond movies (somehow the music gave me this association), but if you take it for what it is - a grim fantasy - it's perfectly enjoyable. Good acting. The voices are nice, although the choice of singing harmonies in three different directions is questionable.

A fantastic musical with a captivating vibe and setting, accompanied by catchy songs and great acting from everyone. Would definitely recommend!