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Jerry Springer: The OperaEdinburgh Review: Jerry Springer: The Opera at Assembly Rooms

By Cameron Robertson in The Stage Posted on Thursday, August 15th, 2002

A terrific concept on which to meld high art with trailer trash, Springer’s notorious television show is parodied with considerable aplomb. The first half is straightforward. Similar to the small-screen version, the bizarre studio guests provide the fascination and entertainment.

They include a grown man having a tantrum while posing as a self-defeating tot, mullet-haired inbreds and dancing Ku Klux Clan members – the last is a rare side-splitting moment.

But despite roars of laughter from some quarters of the packed theatre, the show is achingly underscripted. The weighty idea in the second half to make Springer introspective by a striking Valkyrie appearing in his mind’s eye is sadly underdeveloped. Instead we are only left with an amusing but hollow plot with Springer – ably imitated by Rick Bland – hosting Satan, Jesus, Mary and Adam and Eve in an edition in Hell.

Richard Thomas’ music – simply musical theatre at times – impresses, though he and his colyricist Stewart Lee should realise that sopranos singing the word ‘fuck’ loses its shock value after two hours.

Repetitive scenes drag the last hour and greater spoken wit could bolster the show.

The 21 strong cast are good, particularly David Bedella as Jonathan the warm-up man, though Jerry’s mischievousness is absent.

Written by Cameron Robertson in The Stage on 15th August 2002. Filed Under: Jerry Springer: The Opera, Reviews
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