Weather Girl review | premier, Edinburgh Fringe 2024 - Julia McDermott is outstanding
Updated: Feb 4
Weather Girl by Brian Watkins ⭐⭐⭐⭐
16 August 2024
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Julia McDermott is Stacey, a California TV weather reporter on the edge.
In 'Weather Girl' we meet Stacey as she reports live from a wildfire that is devastating one unfortunate LA suburb. She battles through the smoke to bring the viewers their early morning dose of bright smiles and glamour. But behind her polished appearance Stacey is harbouring more than a few secrets. It doesn't take much to push the wildfire or Stacey out of control.
A single-person one-act play is a tricky affair. But Julia McDermott had the audience enthralled from the second she walked on stage at Summerhall at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In an astonishing, frenzied performance, McDermott filled the whole stage with nothing but a Stanley mug, a few microphones and her own charisma for company. With few props and no co-stars, McDermott is the central focus for the entire 60 minute play - and she is incredible. This is an outstanding performance that has to be seen to be believed.
The (at first) subtle lighting and haze effects must also be applauded. This is a prime example of just what impact can be achieved with little budget and a big idea. I was sitting on the front row and it almost felt like immersive theatre. The staging is so well done.
With inspired direction from Tyne Rafaeli, Stacey brings us roaring into the world of an underpaid, undervalued TV weather girl and takes us on a riveting, dizzying journey that moves at 100mph.
With an irresistible blend of dark humour and stark realism, Brian Watkin's 'Weather Girl' is a formidable piece of new writing that shoots off on tangents you couldn't dare imagine... but to say any more about the plot would spoil the fun.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
📍 Weather Girl is at Summerhall until 26 August | jump to listings info
📸 production photos: Mihaela Bodlovic
Weather Girl - Cast and creatives
By: Brian Watkins
Director: Tyne Rafaeli
Starring: Julia McDermott
Producer: Francesca Moody Productions
Weather Girl - 2024 Edinburgh dates
Venue: Summerhall (Cairns Lecture Theatre)
Dates: 1 - 26 August
Time: 18:00
⌚ Running time: 1 hour
⚠️ Age guideline | 12+ Strong language
ℹ️ Weather Girl is currently SOLD OUT for the entire Edinburgh Fringe run. Contact the box office at Summerhall for waitlist info or cancellations.
NEW: Just announced! Weather Girl transfers to London
Following a multi-award winning, sell out run at the Edinburgh Festival this blistering dark comedy by Brian Watkins transfers to Soho Theatre, Dean Street, London.
Wed 5 March - Saturday 5 April 2025
More info: https://sohotheatre.com/events/weather-girl/
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