Fringe: Starman - a unique Bowie inspired show

Starman

Assembly George Square Gardens (Venue 3)

*****

It’s anything but a straight forward tribute to the late Thin White Duke - in fact, it’s almost impossible to explain what it is.

Ratzke is unique.

A story teller, a singer, and an charismatic frontman backed by a superb band - he’s all of these, and much more.

He takes a handful of Bowie’s songs and weaves a narrative around them that is, well, bonkers.

He’s flamboyant, engaging and toys with his audience as he takes them on a journey into a strange parallel universe of happiness and where life is one great party.

Bowie fans expecting faithful versions of his classic songs are going to be challenged - and, I suspect, also entertained.

Life On Mars and Rebel Rebel are drastically re-worked, but it’s the climatic Heroes which captures the spirit of this show.

Ratzke takes its beat down so much you can barely detect its pulse, but it remains utterly compelling and hypnotic.

Runs ends 28