Photography credit: Argosy Arts

Exeter students and graduates entertain Edinburgh with gothic musical

A gothic musical written and performed by University of Exeter students and graduates has proved popular with critics at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, receiving top reviews.

The House of Edgar retells some of Edgar Allen Poe’s most famous stories in an original blend of gothic horror and musical theatre. It was written and directed entirely by second year Natural Sciences student Thomas F Arnold and Drama graduate Beth Cowley and features a cast full of current and former students.

The performance has impressed the critics at Edinburgh Fringe Festival, resulting in a number of four and five star ratings.

The Scotsman’s four star review described it as a ‘beautifully mounted production’ and a five-star review from the Ed Fringe Review called it ‘truly unmissable’.

Tom F Arnold, writer and musical director, said: “We’re really flattered by the response to the shows, from both reviews and audiences. It is great to finally share something that for so long has been very personal and to see people really enjoy it and take to it.”

Beth Cowley, writer and director, said: “This has been an amazing project to be a part of. I feel incredibly lucky to have such a great team to work alongside and to be receiving such positive feedback – it truly is an overwhelming experience to see our idea come to life.”

Kelly Bray, producer and drama graduate, said: “I am so proud of our piece, and to be receiving such fantastic reviews just gives us the confidence this is a piece of work we should keep sharing with everyone! We have been overwhelmed by everyone’s responses and we can’t thank everyone enough for the support.”

Jack Dryden, producer and current Law student, said: “It’s fantastic to see such a great response to our first show at the Edinburgh Fringe, not only from the general public, but also from professional critics. We must be doing something right!”

The House of Edgar is an Argosy Arts production. Argosy Arts is a new multi art-form production company with an aim to create a community that allows artists to collaborate across many disciplines. It was formed by a group of students and graduates who met at the University of Exeter.

 

 

Date: 1 September 2016

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