58 to Go, Greenside @ George Street.
Ed has growing-old syndrome. It’s terminal. And what has he done with his life? Nothing. But it’s never too late to start. Going clubbing, playing tennis, learning French; his sudden ambitions are endless. Sadly, his talent isn’t, but that doesn’t stop him! But can you go too far in your quest for eternal youth? Alistair Maxwell’s 58 to Go is a hilarious, inventive and clever play about it never being too late to start – but just keep those dreams sensible! Energetic performances by Jordan Monks as Ed, Lorna Panton and Gregor Campbell, with excellent physical comedy throughout as well as some brilliant characterisations. 58 to Go is a complete hoot that sends you into hysterics but also has an underlying serious message. Very funny! 4 stars.
You’re Not My Mum!, PBH’s Free Fringe @ Pizza Geeks.
Adam and David are not brothers, and Jeannie is not their mother. Now we’ve established that, it becomes a useful framework for this comedy threesome’s improv show, where audience members suggest locations and objects from which to build comedy scenes. What makes You’re Not My Mum different from your average improv show is that, rather than having a series of non-sequitur, stand-alone improv scenes, here each scene merges into the next to create an entire improv sitcom, with a logical(-ish) narrative. They even manage to connect all the threads at the end so that it builds to a satisfying conclusion. Jeannie BeFree, Adam Riggitt, and David Carey have a great connection on stage, and each has very different characteristics and energies, which helps to keep this innovative improv show fresh and lively. Great fun and fantastic improv skills! 4 stars.
In the Cold Light, TheSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall.
Investigative journalist Michael is on the trail of a fascinating story, concerning two men, a century or more ago. One, Arthur, a famous explorer and climber, the other, Andrew, a simple crofter from the Isle of Mull, met every summer for two weeks, year in, year out and Michael wants to know why. Were they closeted lovers, when society would not have tolerated such a thing? Michael himself has his own demons and is increasingly unable to repress a deep-seated anger that gets in the way of his doing his job properly. Is there a crossover between Michael’s past and the story of Arthur and Andrew? George Grant plays Michael in his own play, In The Cold Light, which examines uncomfortable truths when the professional and the personal get too close. Clever use of pre-recorded video creates a thoroughly believable set of Zoom calls with significant participants in the story of Arthur and Andrew, played by James Ross Turner, Ilona Linthwaite and Graham Kellas, with Claire Harbin playing Michael’s friend and boss, Pam. For me, a couple of aspects of the play didn’t quite hold water, and Michael’s anger and aggression sometimes disrupt the play’s internal balance. But it’s an intriguing premise, and the play asks important questions about the merits or otherwise of suppressing one’s own feelings – for whatever reason. 3 stars.
Ambitious Underachiever, PBH’s Free Fringe @ Carbon.
Having ambition can get you out of many a tricky situation – just ask Mychelle Colleary, for whom it was an exit route from mental health hospitalisation. And how did she convey that burning ambition? Naturally, like all cabaret or musical theatre artistes, through the medium of song! Ambitious Underachiever is Mychelle’s account of the highs and lows of her life, from playing Peppermint Patty in Snoopy as a promising youngster in San Francisco, through a devastating car accident, the after-effects of which have continued to blight her life ever since, to a lucky break which opened up the potential of living in New York City, to moving to London as a Fringe artiste. One thing’s for sure, there are several more chapters left to experience in the annals of Mychelle Colleary’s life! A cabaret performer of true quality, Mychelle has a gorgeous, expressive voice that expresses her own life experience through every song. An engrossing life story interspersed with captivating renditions of jazz and showbiz songs makes for a truly entertaining and beguiling hour. 4 stars.
Nathan Cassidy: Ewwww!, Hoots @ Potterow.
Ewwww! said a young woman to Nathan, when his eyes accidentally caught hers in London’s glittering West End, primarily because of her spangly outfit, nothing pervy. Anyway – is there anything wrong with admiring an attractive young person, just because you’re not an attractive young person yourself? Good question, which requires a surprisingly nuanced answer. This chance meeting inspired Nathan to create his new show, which primarily focuses on taking a risk. What have you got to lose? Want to do that parachute jump? Do it. Want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Ascend it. Want to get your kit off in a shipping container at the Edinburgh Fringe…? Nathan takes a deep breath and risks all for the sake of not only comedy but also creating a moment that we can all share and that will live on in our memories (until we decide to think of something else instead). Nathan has a very likeable stage persona, is a great communicator and builds up a terrific rapport with the audience. His material is entirely relatable and recognisable – he certainly reminded me of some awful moments in the showers at school – and there are some great laugh-out-loud moments, making this a thought-provoking, risk-taking, and very funny hour. 4 stars.
