Thursday 18 August 2016

EdFringe Review: The Techtonics presents: Don’t Push the Button ★★★★★




The Techtonics presents: Don’t Push the Button ★★★★★
Edinburgh SpaceTriplex (Venue 38)
Until Saturday 27th August 2016.

The Techtonics have won both the UK and the US-based World A Cappella Championships. That’s right, they actually won the competition featured in the film Pitch Perfect. Based upon this afternoon’s performance it is easy to see why.

Opening with Queen’s Bicycle Race the ten-strong vocal group are able to reproduce, not only the layered vocals that characterised Queen’s output, put also the instrumentation. Some considerable thought has also gone into the choreography that goes on too. The group not only consider where to stand but also if they can illustrate the song with a Superman impression or, indeed, someone riding a human bicycle.

The songs have been chosen to suit their ability but it does cover a range of styles. From the lounge classic Can’t Take My Eyes Off You to the rock of I Believe In A Thing Called Love via the silly, yet brilliant I’m Too Sexy. A random number from their back catalogue was selected and they quickly arranged themselves to deliver Stealers Wheel’s Stuck In The Middle With You.

The musical performances were top-notch and a joy to listen to. The red button mentioned in the title appeared to be an odd distraction whereas the occasional mention of a former colleague whose photo was literally on a pedestal was funny.

This group is made of science, medicine and engineering students from London’s Imperial College. In other words they are not your usual products of drama school. Speaking as a Chemistry graduate myself, it is good to see the stereotype questioned. The lapses into Pokeman geekiness was another fun departure that wasn’t allowed to go on too long. 

The show was delightful and well received by the audience. Perhaps it is the feel-good hit of this summer’s fringe?

This review was written by Stephen Oliver the North East Theatre Guide – follow Stephen at @panic_c_button


Tickets:
Tickets cost £10 (£8 conc) and are available from the venue box office, the usual Edinburgh Fringe outlets and online from https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/techtonics-don-t-push-the-button


 

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