It’s been a year since FWAMP was first performed at Stage@Leeds. Kaitlin Talbot was invited to catch up with the cast and crew ahead of their Edinburgh Fringe debut!
The co-creator of FWAMP, Abbie Freeston, has done an incredible job of inventing a unique and dynamic show in a world where every idea seems already taken. Abbie’s creativity and incredible directing skills combined to give us a perfectly presented show.
To jog your memory – FWAMP follows the story of ‘Teddy Mega’, the son of a theme park CEO, who wants to follow his passion of being the theme park mascot and give up his duties as the next CEO. His feelings for dreaming designer ‘Pippa’ end up on a rollercoaster of their own as he must figure out what is most important to him and how to save the failing Fantasy World park!
The directing members have now set up the FWAMP! Theatre Company, based in Leeds and specialising in musical theatre comedy and are looking forward to their Edinburgh Fringe debut from August 17th – 29th. The company are proud recipients of the ‘Edinburgh Fringe Society’s Keep it Fringe Fund’ -recognition and support that this talented and driven team have earned and deserve.
The new FWAMP cast and backstage troupe have worked so well to preserve the original uniqueness and charm of the show whilst managing to cut it down to exactly an hour and 10 minutes to fit the set Edinburgh Fringe format! Some of the greatest songs and dialogue had to be cut to keep time, though I have no doubt that the Fringe performance will be one of the most fun and exhilarating musicals at the event. However, there is a slight sadness that the Edinburgh audience will miss out on the full, crazy FWAMP experience, so I encourage them to buy tickets to any future shows!
Owen Wardle stepped into the role of ‘Teddy Mega’ seamlessly. His body language and stage presence gave the audience an insight into Teddy’s thought process in every scene and his internal battle with wanting to be the mascot, his commitments as CEO and his feelings for Pippa. Stepping up to the lead role can be extremely intense and difficult, requiring a mixture of different skills to curate a great performance, and Warren’s ability to jump into the role was impressive.
The show ensemble was also a dream to watch. Their undeniable dance and vocal skills were an absolute treat in every scene. With my personal favourite being the performance of the princes and princesses, each song and dance sequence left the audience in fits of laughter. My applause goes out to Eliza Fox Mella. Her ability to hit every beat of choreography seamlessly and her characterisation skills were undeniable, and I could not take my eyes off her during ensemble performances.
FWAMP remains, for me, the funniest and most charming musical to come out of the 25/26 season. The show is a perfect example of the result of combining passion with talent !
Photography by Abby Swain.
Main image: The Cast.
