Our Seventh String @ The Space at Venue 45

Lush voices and instruments connect with clever writing in Our Seventh String, a new Australian folk musical from Paper Folk Theatre. Featuring a cast of talented actor-musicians, this ambitious production is filled with heart and charm, but feels overstretched in places.

The new musical, written by Lauren Green, Emily Napolitano and Henry Smith, shines a spotlight on a share house in Melbourne, and the coming together of old friends, each changed by the world in different ways. With the writing fast-paced and brimming with energy, Our Seventh String succeeds in allowing each of the seven uniquely detailed characters their time in the spotlight. The forty-five minute show, which has story enough for two acts, is unfortunately confined to one, and despite compelling dialogue and an excellent original score, does feel a little whistle-stop in places.

Each of the musicians are talented, with the story guided along by a vast array of instruments, on-stage and off. Their voices are often powerful and compelling – especially that of Alecia Joanne Scott – and their chemistry fiercely palpable, with special praise deserved for the relationship between Jesse Anderson and Andrew Vassett. It is a shame that, in places, the lack of microphones leads to a loss of lyrical clarity, especially when the unorthodox seating arrangement means singers face away from large sections of the audience. The direction seems at times to forget this seating arrangement, with the thrust stage sometimes treated as if it's end-on.

Most of the shortcomings in this show result from ambition, which at the Fringe is all the more valuable than theatrical restraint – and any tears are because it is so bursting with storytelling, emotion and delightful music. With their debut show, Paper Folk Theatre are testing new waters, and are certainly a company to watch out for.

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Our Seventh String, The Space at Venue 45, until 22 Aug, 4.00pm, £13.50-15.50