The Wizard of Pop
Jack Kane Centre, Craigmillar, Edinburgh

Shaun Hadnett

The Wizard of Pop is a musical crossing Pop Idol with The Wizard of Oz, and is a creditable example of youth/community arts. Written by Kim Birtley and adapted by Fran Nothard and the Toasted Drama Group, this is a highly enjoyable show, wittily parodying a familiar storyline with reference to contemporary pop culture.

The story centres on birthday girl Lucy, played by Heather Cairns, who is magically transported to the Land of Pop when the electricity cuts out during her party (she has forgotten to buy a powercard). The moment of transformation is accompanied by a strobe lit ensemble performance of 'Thriller' led by wicked witch Eminem, played by Corrina Cook. Lucy's entry to the Land of Pop results in the death of Eminem's friend, represented by a pair of giant upturned papier-mache feet.

Lucy then finds herself on a Musical Road that leads to Craigmillar Castle. There lurks Simon Cowell, the Wizard of Pop himself, played with comic fretfulness by Mark McGregor. To return home Lucy has to reach the castle and become Britney Spears for the day. The Musical Road is studded not with yellow bricks, but shiny stars. Treading on a star causes a pop act to appear, and of course Lucy's curiosity makes her dally on the Road and summon each pop star in turn. Mark McGregor shows his versatility by appearing as Elton John, and proves to be a fine performer with a very good voice.

At this point, though, a night seemingly devoted to entertainment for entertainment's sake takes a detour that jars. Local girl group Niddrie Born Bitches appear with a parody of 'Slim Shady'. The delivery is good but the message borders on unpalatable. The refrain of 'My neighbours are lazy' and references to antisocial behaviour smack of New Labour preaching and detract briefly from the show as a whole.

Eminem reappears twice to thwart Lucy and twice she is rescued. First Holly Valance (Hayley Forbes) and the Black Eyed Peas (Rory Cosgrove and James Milligan) step in. Later on Busted (Darren Burns, Rachel Hartley, Fran Nothard and Shelley Nothard) raise some audience chuckles by socking the sinister rapper with their inflatable guitars. It could be said that that the treatment of Eminem in the plot chimes with the hectoring tone of the Niddrie Born Bitches' pastiche, but on balance Eminem is an ideal pantomime villain, as indeed he is in the real life pop firmament.

The funniest performance of the night is provided by the Atomic Grans (Karen Davidson, Corrina Cook and Rachel Hartley) creaking around the stage on crutches and a scooter. Upon reaching the castle, a flustered Simon Cowell looking in vain for Jordan grants Lucy her Britney Spears birthday wish. Lucy's performance as Britney enables her to return home where of course she discover it has all been a dream. Confused, she tries to explain that her mum (Fran Nothard) is Cher in the Land of Pop. A happy ending is signalled as the entire cast sings 'Stand By Me' and Holly Valance marries Eminem in pop heaven. Even Lucy's killjoy next door neighbour stops complaining about the party and joins the celebration.

Quite right. All the performances are good and a few like that of Mark McGregor are excellent . Hopefully next time the Niddrie Born Bitches will get their hands on better material. Director Nikki Barnes of Craigmillar Community Arts said of the show: 'To see the performers, some of whom had no drama experience, progress to singing and dancing, is what community drama is all about.' Nikki hopes to build on what has been achieved with the theatre school 'Circle of Arts' due to open at Craigmillar Community Arts in May.

23 March 2004.