Almost Famous
Surgeons Hall, Edinburgh, August 1-16
Keiller Centre, Dundee, September 19-20
Tullynessle and Forbes Hall, October 18
For everyone who never quite made it...however far they got.
Emily Benton, veteran female actor and star of stage and screen, is back in the UK after a career that took her to Broadway and Hollywood. With her pedigree, she should be in Downton Abbey or the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. Instead she's auditioning for a role in a devised play that has only become available because another, slightly older and more famous, female actor has gone to join the theatre in the sky. How did fate bring her to this?
Maybe there's a secret that Emily isn't revealing.
Following on from fantastic runs at Brighton Fringe (The Actors Theatre), GM Fringe (The Kings Arms) and Buxton Fringe (Underground at Spring Gardens), the next stop for Almost Famous is Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Surgeon's Hall). Get your tickets here!
Maybe there's a secret that Emily isn't revealing.
Following on from fantastic runs at Brighton Fringe (The Actors Theatre), GM Fringe (The Kings Arms) and Buxton Fringe (Underground at Spring Gardens), the next stop for Almost Famous is Edinburgh Festival Fringe (Surgeon's Hall). Get your tickets here!
Read the reviews!
Anyone with a love of and respect for the acting profession or just the world of theatre really ought to see this show. The script by Andy Moseley is sharp, beautifully observed, and makes a good many fascinating observations about the world of theatre and performance. Jac Wheble makes the part of Emily her own, giving us the excitement, the (faded?) glamour, and so successfully changing manner and pace once a different reality is exposed. It's warm, reflective, sardonic, funny and very human. (Buxton Fringe Review)
Almost Famous is darkly funny, fiercely current and heartwarming yet equally heartbreaking. Wheble is a fine actor who is utterly flawless in her portrayal of Emily Benton. The show reminds you that behind the blusher, champagne, sequins and sparkles often lies a much harsher, more somber reality. You must try and catch this show if and when you can! (The Indiependent)
Jac Wheble is sublime as Benton, bringing out every inch of pathos from a life of wanting to be centre stage, the lead actress, getting all the applause and the plaudits. Andy Moseley’s script was structured perfectly and included some wry observations about art and the business of art. This is a deft play, performed by an actress with wonderful control and understanding. The hour flew by, and I heartily recommend it. (North West End UK)
Wheble’s performance is full of life, doing justice to the frequent pawky humour in the script and benefiting from fluent direction by Moseley. There is a warm and inviting feel to the production, as if the character generally was chatting to you as she prepared, and the sympathetic and brittle sides of Emily are evoked with skill. As well as the humour, there is considerable pathos, made better by being understated. (All Edinburgh Theatre)
It’s difficult to portray this kind of character as a fully rounded figure – there’s a danger of Emily coming across as a third rate Norma Desmond or one dimensional victim. It’s to the credit of the script and Wheble that this never happens. (The Wee Review)
Jac Wheble showcased a wealth of experience in her performance, making everything more vulnerable and relatable and not just someone on stage reciting a monologue. The feeling of being so near and yet so far created a balance between tension and some unique, insightful humour that gave the impression of the saying 'if you don't laugh about it, you cry'. (Theatre in Brighton)
There is something of The Dresser and something of The Entertainer in this monologue with bite. The play is full of waspish wit. Wheble gives us a defiant Emily, wistful yet hard-bitten. The acting is impeccable, and the switch between light and dark impeccably handled. (Quays Life)
Written in a really interesting way and acted with realism and genuineness. Emily’s stories are elaborate and lovely until suddenly we are invited into hear about her life more intimately and then everything changes. Very funny and thought provoking, and well recommended. (Broadway Baby)
There is so much to admire in Moseley’s script. Emily’s layers are eventually peeled back and you realise that there is so much more to the figure than initially perceived. The play will specifically appeal to longtime arts fans, with all of the references to the world of theatre: from regional venues to the West End. (Kat Masterson)
Almost Famous is darkly funny, fiercely current and heartwarming yet equally heartbreaking. Wheble is a fine actor who is utterly flawless in her portrayal of Emily Benton. The show reminds you that behind the blusher, champagne, sequins and sparkles often lies a much harsher, more somber reality. You must try and catch this show if and when you can! (The Indiependent)
Jac Wheble is sublime as Benton, bringing out every inch of pathos from a life of wanting to be centre stage, the lead actress, getting all the applause and the plaudits. Andy Moseley’s script was structured perfectly and included some wry observations about art and the business of art. This is a deft play, performed by an actress with wonderful control and understanding. The hour flew by, and I heartily recommend it. (North West End UK)
Wheble’s performance is full of life, doing justice to the frequent pawky humour in the script and benefiting from fluent direction by Moseley. There is a warm and inviting feel to the production, as if the character generally was chatting to you as she prepared, and the sympathetic and brittle sides of Emily are evoked with skill. As well as the humour, there is considerable pathos, made better by being understated. (All Edinburgh Theatre)
It’s difficult to portray this kind of character as a fully rounded figure – there’s a danger of Emily coming across as a third rate Norma Desmond or one dimensional victim. It’s to the credit of the script and Wheble that this never happens. (The Wee Review)
Jac Wheble showcased a wealth of experience in her performance, making everything more vulnerable and relatable and not just someone on stage reciting a monologue. The feeling of being so near and yet so far created a balance between tension and some unique, insightful humour that gave the impression of the saying 'if you don't laugh about it, you cry'. (Theatre in Brighton)
There is something of The Dresser and something of The Entertainer in this monologue with bite. The play is full of waspish wit. Wheble gives us a defiant Emily, wistful yet hard-bitten. The acting is impeccable, and the switch between light and dark impeccably handled. (Quays Life)
Written in a really interesting way and acted with realism and genuineness. Emily’s stories are elaborate and lovely until suddenly we are invited into hear about her life more intimately and then everything changes. Very funny and thought provoking, and well recommended. (Broadway Baby)
There is so much to admire in Moseley’s script. Emily’s layers are eventually peeled back and you realise that there is so much more to the figure than initially perceived. The play will specifically appeal to longtime arts fans, with all of the references to the world of theatre: from regional venues to the West End. (Kat Masterson)
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The Almost Famous team:
Emily Benton: Jac Wheble Writer/Director: Andy Moseley Sound and lighting: Emma Burton Social media: Ellen McFadzen And special thanks to: Graham Bell for publicity photos; Siobhan @16 BeasleyStPhotography for production photos; Edinburgh People's Theatre for rehearsal space and chaise longue; Paul Wilson for driving, set moving and more; Dave Porter for accommodation and last minute lifts to train stations; and anyone else who has played a part along the way... |
Upcoming shows and where to book them:
Venue: Surgeon's Hall, Edinburgh Festival Fringe August 1st to 16th at 3.45pm (1st to 9th) and 5.45pm (11th to 16th) Venue: Keiller Centre, Dundee, 19th to 20th September at 7.00pm Venue: Tullynessle and Forbes Hall, 18th October at 7.30pm |
Almost Famous is dedicated to everyone who never quite made it, however far they got.
Reviews of previous NoLogoProductions productions
Make-up
On one level it is a tale of indignation and anger at the world, his own family and community who fail to cope with those who are different. On another, it is also an exploration of the issues of identity that can affect us all and how we want to be perceived. ***** Daily Business
A disarmingly truthful and humorous piece, adroitly constructed and beautifully performed. Moj Taylor is skilled at both humour and pathos, prickly yet inviting, welcoming the audience into his world yet always keeping a distance. **** AllEdinburgh Theatre
For more on Make-up, click here
A Beginner's Guide to Populism
'A timely production. It lampoons populism and its insular message with great verve, but without offering simple solutions. The us-and-them divisions are nicely drawn, as what makes an outsider so becomes ever more ludicrously defined.' **** Fringe Guru
Expertly conceived, written and executed by a team who plainly have an eye for the socio-political zeitgeist. A thoroughly entertaining play, brilliantly executed and cleverly written.' Ian Hamilton - Buxton Fringe Review
For more on A Beginner's Guide to Populism, our 2017/18 production, click here
After We Danced
If you are looking for a play that has warmth, examines the human condition, with some fine lines and performances from talented actors, then this could be the new play for you. ***** Remote Goat
Sweet and romantic, a well-rounded tale that is uplifting and believable. The strong cast inject a sense of energy and innocence into the carefully balanced script. **** British Theatre Guide
For more on After We Danced, our 2015/16 production, click here
Casual Encounters
Terrific, very funny, with brilliant use of gags to achieve and support the three act structure.' Richard Bean, (One Man, Two Guvnors) One Act Play Festival, The Orange Tree, Richmond
'An exploration of marriage, relationships, gender roles, class, mores and more. Each is interwoven into a strong piece of theatre. The acting is assured and the direction crisp. I can certainly recommend it to you' Buxton Fringe Review
For more on Casual Encounters, our 2013/14 production also revived in 2024, click here
Other productions
For more on any of our earlier productions click here
On one level it is a tale of indignation and anger at the world, his own family and community who fail to cope with those who are different. On another, it is also an exploration of the issues of identity that can affect us all and how we want to be perceived. ***** Daily Business
A disarmingly truthful and humorous piece, adroitly constructed and beautifully performed. Moj Taylor is skilled at both humour and pathos, prickly yet inviting, welcoming the audience into his world yet always keeping a distance. **** AllEdinburgh Theatre
For more on Make-up, click here
A Beginner's Guide to Populism
'A timely production. It lampoons populism and its insular message with great verve, but without offering simple solutions. The us-and-them divisions are nicely drawn, as what makes an outsider so becomes ever more ludicrously defined.' **** Fringe Guru
Expertly conceived, written and executed by a team who plainly have an eye for the socio-political zeitgeist. A thoroughly entertaining play, brilliantly executed and cleverly written.' Ian Hamilton - Buxton Fringe Review
For more on A Beginner's Guide to Populism, our 2017/18 production, click here
After We Danced
If you are looking for a play that has warmth, examines the human condition, with some fine lines and performances from talented actors, then this could be the new play for you. ***** Remote Goat
Sweet and romantic, a well-rounded tale that is uplifting and believable. The strong cast inject a sense of energy and innocence into the carefully balanced script. **** British Theatre Guide
For more on After We Danced, our 2015/16 production, click here
Casual Encounters
Terrific, very funny, with brilliant use of gags to achieve and support the three act structure.' Richard Bean, (One Man, Two Guvnors) One Act Play Festival, The Orange Tree, Richmond
'An exploration of marriage, relationships, gender roles, class, mores and more. Each is interwoven into a strong piece of theatre. The acting is assured and the direction crisp. I can certainly recommend it to you' Buxton Fringe Review
For more on Casual Encounters, our 2013/14 production also revived in 2024, click here
Other productions
For more on any of our earlier productions click here
