Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre – until 22 June 2019.
Reviewed by Hannah Plumb
3***
In the autumn of 2018 in The Vaults in London, “a bright new dawn for the age of Aquarius”(-the Guardian) was born from the 50th Anniversary production of Hair. Almost a year on this production is touring around the UK, bringing its far-out aesthetic and groovy tunes to a theatre near you.
This production features a strong cast whose on-stage chemistry with one another creates the hippie tribe that Hair embodies. Their sweet but powerful vocals mixed with a deeply talented band create an electrifying sound which makes the show truly enjoyable to listen to. This piece seems to be particularly challenging for the cast as the lack of plot doesn’t give each performer a chance to develop their characters. They do, however, manage to stand out vocally in different moments throughout the show. Natalie Green (Cassie) is spectacular, her strong and unique voice is memorable with an ability to cut through an entire ensemble with one note. She is a performer that draws your eye even if she is doing nothing.
Although the cast does an admirable job of bringing to life this bizarre tapestry of moments from the flower power movement, Hair is playing at venues that are overwhelming the production. This is a show that could really benefit from being in an intimate space, where the audience can be a part of the tribe. Despite the high-spirited efforts of those on stage, playing in large formal theatres means there is a disconnect between cast and audience causing this call out against war and greed to feel overly commercialised and under enthusiastic.
This touring production is a valiant attempt at reviving a cult classic with a strong cast, psychedelic design and striking music it is so close to being an impeccable ode to the era.