Review: AJ Holmes: Yeah, but Not Right Now, Underbelly- Cowgate, Belly Dancer Edinburgh Fringe 2019.

I had the privilege to see the first preview of Yeah, but Not Right Now. The show gives the audience a chance to witness an hour of songs that tell a story that provides a glimpse into the wonderful mind of the award-winning actor, writer and composer AJ Holmes.

AJ Holmes has previously starred in ‘The Book of Mormon on Broadway, London’s West End, San Francisco and Sydney as Elder Cunningham. He is also a key member of Team Starkid writing and composing music for musicals such as ‘Twisted’, ‘Me and My Dick’, ‘A Very Potter Musical’ and ‘A Very Potter Senior Year’, as well as staring in two of them. There is no surprise in the fact that his Fringe debut is exceptional.

AJ’s musical skills is shine through within his stunning vocals as well as his performance. A stand out part of the show is the way he jumps between using his guitar, to the piano, then percussion when singing while playing his space drum. To zoom in to a particular part, he uses a loop peddle to bring the three together, as well as using audience participation during his song to layer in with the base of the rhythm. The song itself is catchy and creates all the laughs within the crowd.

If you are a fan of Starkid, his previous work or if you are a fan of comedy and/or musical theatre you will not be disappointed. His songs are filled with autobiographical accounts that address his family life well as romantic stories. These include songs about his mum’s embarrassing Facebook posts and his way of oversleeping; “please wake up”.

If this is a first time hearing about him, then I advise you to look him up, the first thing that comes up when you type his name in to Youtube is: “AJ Holmes just generally being adorable”, in which there is 13 videos in a playlist dedicated to him. There is no disagreement in the title for the incredibly talented Broadway star.

AJ Holmes: ‘Yeah, But Not Right Now’ is a must see show at the fringe this year.

. AJ Holmes: yeah but not right now showing until the 25^th August at the Cowgate Underbelly