- Work Hard Play Bard
The Ballad of Boblin the Goblin (A DnD Musical) is an electrifying, laugh-out-loud musical odyssey following Boblin – an unlikely hero thrust into destiny’s grip! With sweeping ballads, raucous tavern tunes and heart-pounding battle anthems, Boblin and his fearless companions face monstrous foes, cryptic riddles and one truly unhinged villain. Will Boblin find his purpose, or just more trouble? Featuring spellbinding choreography, dazzling magic and epic stage combat, this show is a love letter to adventure, friendship and the magic of DnD storytelling!
D&D can be so many things – it can be anything you imagine, really – so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into this show. PHENOMINAL. It runs the full gamut of D&D sessions, from the absurd and silly, to the dark and genuinely frightening, and they have so much fun with all of it. There were a few times when the audio mix seemed a bit off, or like the characters couldn’t hear their backing tracks, but for anyone who likes D&D and/or musicals, do not miss this one! Also, I swear the bard/BBEG actor is Tim Curry reincarnated.
Very well done all around. A goofy, magical, cathartic tale of identity, forgiveness, and choosing one’s destiny, with a lot of heart. Was not expecting a cathartic experience from this show, but I got one. I would buy the soundtrack. A few glitches the day I went (which was a while back, ’cause I’m late getting to reviews), but “perfection” is overrated.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
A shocking delight. Went (kind of) as an inside joke with friends so I came in with zero expectations. I was not disappointed at all and can’t wait to see what else they churn out in the future. Very impressive. Smart. Funny. Well produced.
So good I had to see it twice! A charming, magical, and high quality musical with an excellent cast. Songs, set, and story were all impeccably enjoyable for everyone— not just DnD players. Contained a mix of dark fantasy and well-timed comedy to create a dynamic and balanced experience. Definitely in my top 5 this Fringe Festival! Go see this show!
As of when I’m leaving this comment, this was my favorite fringe show!
Special shoutout to Paul Forget, who encapsulated characters in such a distinct way, from a charming mischievous bard to a cruel, mind seeping humanoid.
Special shoutout to Denby Perez for handling the lights and sound effects so smoothly! (And everyone unseen, I see you!)
Special shoutout to Joyce for being a wonderful balance of sweet and chaotic as Boblin!
Special shoutout to EVERYONE ELSE in the cast for everything from their character voices, to the way they moved. That duo who raised Boblin were really good at portraying their characters as flawed human beings rather then simply amazing people or simply malicious bloodthirsty fighters.
Also the person who played the wolf deer demon thing was really awesome too.
I enjoyed the writing and the dnd references I can now understand, the singing was beautiful and always on theme to what was going on, (ex., the casual harmonies to the haunting ones) and I just really enjoyed it and I could tell alot of work was put into the show. I was worried it would end in an anti climatic way, but it was honestly so well wrapped up, especially considering the time slots. Just a show with so much to offer. Can’t wait to hear more
This is an incredible show! The entire cast are incredibly talented, dedicated actors, singers and performers. I can’t believe I got to experience this show at the fringe!
Having a fondness for all things Middle Earth I was treated to an original story of magic, music, and mayhem. One does not have to have knowledge of DnD to simply enjoy a wonderfully acted tale. The songs were a delight. The performances were top notch and the stage and lighting drew the audience into a mystical land of fantasy! Bravo!!
Definitely some standout performances in this show, but there were definitely also some sound and pitch issues. I would also say that some knowledge of DnD is required…. no one in our party had ever played the game before, and despite understanding what it is and the premise behind it, we felt left out of several jokes while others around us howled with laughter.
Had a pretty great time at this show! I think it’s a prime example of the creative and special shows you can get at Fringe experiences! If I didn’t feel so inspired by their amazing set, costumes, and effects I could find ways to be nitpicky with some story elements or musical choices but I left with a smile and a good feeling, as well there many many fantastic vocal moments in the singing. Can’t ask for more than that! Go see this awesome creative display of artistry!
Entertaining fast paced show, great original music and vocals! The actors maintained a good balance between the dramatic and the comedic. Both the DND and the non-playing crowd found humour and something to love in this play. Five stars!!! 🙌
Wish I could give it more than 5 stars! The best fringe show I’ve ever seen! The ticket price is truly a steal for the quality of this show. Beautiful original music, a talented cast, hilarious and interesting story telling, impressive costumes, choreography, and sets.
A great show, even for those unfamiliar with DND. Don’t miss it!
An inspiring tale of the true power of self belief! Paired with fun music, great singing and choreography/combat, this show will leave you laughing lots and tearing up a little. Congratulations to the cast for delivering an outstanding and entertaining show, with everyone bringing a little something of their own to the stage. Prior DnD knowledge is not a prerequisite to enjoy the show!
Fun musical with a good story. The actors were great and their singing were even greater, original songs by the way. The only thing was either they were talking quietly at times or the audio was cutting off. Overall a 4/5.
Who better than a bard to tell a great story? Funny, heartfelt and full of adventure. A fast paced ride with a great cast and excellent vocals
Fantastic show. Drama, laughs and beautiful music; it had it all. Congratulations to the Cast and everyone involved.
5/5 stars! Fringe at its finest! Great music, Fun dancing, exciting combat, wonderful set/props/costumes, and story! The epitome of everything good about the phrase ‘to be cringe is to be free’. A silly show with heart, laughs, and tears in a 75 minute package. All actors were phenomenal, and clearly had a lot of fun, as did the audience. The Hard Work payed off Play Bards! Please go enjoy this awesome show, it’s the most fun theatre I’ve ever seen! If you can suspend your disbelief for the sake of pure whimsy, this show is how you do it!