From one element of clowning to another, our next show also sounds like it’s going to be anarchic fun. It’s Garry Starr Performs Everything at Iron Belly @ Underbelly Cowgate at 20:10 on Friday 24th. Take a look at the blurb: “Disgraced actor Garry Starr is going it alone. Following his dismissal from the Royal Shakespeare Company due to “artistic differences”, he is determined to defy his critics by performing every single genre of theatre in under 60 minutes, thus saving the performing arts from their inevitable extinction. A hilarious new physical comedy about overambition and underachievement from Damien Warren-Smith and director Cal McCrystal. ‘An anarchic play-date with a six-foot-two toddler with a mop of fuzzy hair, no inhibitions and far too much raspberry cordial on board. It’s an exhilarating feeling’ ***** (GlamAdelaide.com.au). **** (Herald Sun).”

I don’t know Damien Warren-Smith or his creation Garry Starr but I’m a huge fan of Cal McCrystal, who directed the fantastic Mr Whatnot in Northampton a few years ago – a show so good we had to go back to watch the next day’s matinee as well. From the hilarious Youtube trailer, it looks like there’s an awful lot of audience participation…! Check back around 9.30 pm to see if we enjoyed it. By then the next preview blog should be available to read too.

A compete blast! Garry Starr is a wonderfully vain and ridiculous comedy character and we have a great time because it’s clear that Damien is enjoying it so much. Yes there is a lot of audience participation but it’s never cruel and it’s always absolutely hilarious. His clowning skills shine through, as does his superb ability to look ridiculous. Extra shows in a larger venue at the end of the week is a great sign of its popularity and thoroughly deserved. Catch this performance, you won’t regret it!