What if you found yourself trying to work through a new romance not through chatting to friends or family, but in the teachings of Sigmund Freud?
And what if Freud makes a real, live appearance in your life – in high heels? This is what happens to bookish student Fran when she connects with the chatty and intellectual Anna in the library in this recent production at Camden Fringe.
In A Series of Introductory Lectures On Psychoanalysis: The Musical, written by Alex Rawnsley and directed by Harriet Gill, the whole thorny issue of relationships is navigated through lively, original songs and a sharp and knowing script.
This is a deeply silly musical but a lot of thought has gone into it, as Fran (Bethan Draycott) considers how psychoanalysis might light her path to true love.
Lara Bulloch’s Freud pops up to present lectures which punctuate Fran’s story, including scenes not just with Anna (Anna Mae Zhao), but with her four friends (Lexie Turner, Sam Phillips, Jenny Black, and Savinay Sood).
With delicate moments accompanied by a piano and set props indicated by labels (table, sofa, tree), this really tips into the millennial student experience, away from home and under both personal and educational stress.
A screen behind the stage offers additional comment on what is going on by noting inner dialogue or conversations through venn diagrams. As Fran and Freud continue to engage – their moments together uniquely heralded by the latter’s kazoo – the style of songs gets more European, music hall, or playful.
Basically, this show is the love child between psychoanalysis and silliness we never knew we needed. In this video format, the production values are exceptionally good with strong sound and visuals.
Musical director Isobel Connolly allows the songs to flow in and out of the dialogue without feeling forced. The songs are lyrically clever and cute.
Anna’s intense interest in history and feminism adds a different angle to how young women may navigate their friendships and loves. Her Pope obsession adds a mischevious wink.
Her discussions with Fran, focusing on medical terms and problems, remind me of those within Brief Encounter, a way of talking around a topic without really getting to the nub of the matter.
ASILOP:TM is a bold new musical which recognises the feelings of being horny, unsure, and confused when you are young and in love. What might Freud make of it? Here, he sports both grey beard and a dress, but do his theories carry any weight?
With nine lectures, fourteen songs, and some inspired choreography from Wren Talbot-Ponsonby, this bold, original, and imaginative fringe theatre production definitely deserves a wider audience.
Musketeer Productions should be extremely proud of this show. They are a student company based in Oxford but are as assured as any seasoned pros, putting on a virtually flawless show.
*****