I'm With the Band @ Traverse

Penned by the Olivier-nominated Tim Price, I’m With the Band is an exploration of dissipation of the UK with England, Ireland, Scotland and Whales represented by a musician in Indie-Rock band ‘The Union.’ Price gets a 12 month head-start on the inevitable multitude of shows exploring Scottish nationalism sure to sweep the Fringe in 2014 with this intelligent, vibrant and wonderfully funny production. 

The 4 band members enter the recording studio set and launch into songs/scenes (scenes are announced by their equivalent song title projected on the back wall). The writing is clear and intelligent and provides the perfect frame for the cast’s understated performances of characters who would be very easy to caricature. The actor’s musical talent is second to none and their stage bursts to life from the opening number to the final, anarchic performance. Hamish Pirie’s direction is spot-on throughout and his previous collaborative success with Price is sure to continue after this near-perfect satire.

I’m With the Band is electric, anarchic and fiercely intelligent. Wonderfully performed and stunning to watch this is an utter triumph of a show.