Review: A Tribute to the Band, Fringe 2025

Stepping into theSpace @ Niddry Street for A Tribute to the Band, you might expect a musical homage to, well, a band. Instead, what awaits is a delightful and completely unexpected journey into the whimsical world of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld.

This one-woman show, a debut from the creative team of Cazz Regan, Aurie Bonvin, and Clementine Beeson, is a charming blend of familiar fantasy, (almost) acoustic music, and a genuinely sincere narrative. It’s a show that knows its audience and delivers a lovingly crafted tale that will resonate deeply with fans of the beloved author.

The challenge faced is the time slot, which, at nearly 11 pm, is a bit hardcore for otherwise light entertainment.

A Pratchett Homage

The core of the show is its unashamed devotion to the world of Discworld. Performer Cazz Regan, as her character Honourabelle Mention, a minstrel from Ankh-Morpork, guides us through a light-touch plot. Having left her world for the first time, she stumbles into ours, bringing with her a fresh perspective and, more importantly, a collection of songs. The lure of the show lies in its lyrics, which are clever rewrites of well-known tunes, but with a thoroughly Discworld flavour. These musical adaptations are filled with sharp wit and references that will have any fan grinning in recognition.

The show’s attention to fandom is commendable, extending beyond the songs themselves. At one time, the between-song banter is peppered with footnotes, a nod to Pratchett’s own famously detailed and often hilarious narrative style. Regan herself looks the part, initially adorned in a frilly coat with huge, dangling sleeves, a look that is perfectly suited to a noble or a bard from Ankh-Morpork. While practicality dictates a quick change – the sleeve ruffles are swiftly removed, presumably because it’s impossible to play the guitar with them, or because the Fringe venue is baking hot – the visual introduction sets the scene beautifully.

What we might be missing is a big finale or hero piece. There is one sing-along which may well be the candidate for the title, but I’m rarely a fan of being reminded I’m utterly lacking in singing ability, so it didn’t get my vote.

A Performer to Watch

Cazz Regan has a presence on stage. Not only can she clearly sing and play the guitar, but she carries the entire show with a magnetic and engaging performance. She embodies Honourabelle Mention with an endearing charm, making it easy to follow her journey and get lost in the narrative. While the plot is light, it’s a solid vehicle for the music and the clever wordplay.

The show even features a “ghost,” or at least a “ghosting,” a final touch of theatrical mischief that adds to the overall charm. This is a show made with passion and a clear love for the source material, and it’s a testament to the Fringe that such nerdy and heartfelt productions find a home. Cazz Regan is a performer to watch.

Overall

A Tribute to the Band gets the thumbs up for anyone who considers themselves a massive Discworld fan and enjoys acoustic guitar music. The show is full of charm, wit, and genuinely brilliant lyrical reworkings that will delight its target audience. While its late-night timing may be a barrier for some, there is nothing wrong with the show itself. It’s a lovingly crafted show that is a creation of love as much as it is of laughter. A pleasant, low-key, and wonderfully nerdy production that is a welcome addition to the Fringe.