Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Page 15

Britney in John

By Ron Bingham

Britney is a duo consisting of Charly Clive and Ellen Robertson and, just to make things a little more confusing, they are performing a show called John. This caused more than a little confusion at the box office.

The show is about a journey our two intrepid comedians made six years ago when, freshly out of high school, they decided to travel round the USA meeting as many people named John Hancock for a film looking at the average US man. The most famous John Hancock was the first signatory of the US declaration of independence back in 1776 (the reason the chose this name, of course). It’s also the name of a nationwide US insurance company, which caused no end of trouble when Googling to find suitable interview subjects.

Charly and Ellen give us a commentary and critique of various scenes from their film, as well as acting out a number of sketches based of situations they encountered on their journey. They have an excellent on-stage rapport and there are a lot of laugh out loud moments both on the stage and on the screen. There is a touching final moment which rounds off the show to a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended. Definitely a couple of comedians to watch out for, as they have heaps of potential. A little swearing and some saucy prison acting, but it should be fine for most people.

John is on at Bedlam Theatre until August 28

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/britney-in-john

Kai Humphries : Punch-Drunk

By Ron Bingham

This is a beautifully heart-warming and uplifting homage from Kai to his family and friends, and the influences they have had on his life. He introduces us, via a projector / display screen, to both his grandfathers and his big brother, telling both good and bad tales about them.

Kai tells us about his experience setting up a comedy club in his town of Blyth (just next to Newcastle) and what can possibly happen when you use the first image on google for your club’s logo. The biggest part of the show, and the one that will probably have most audience members shedding a little tear, is a perfect demonstration of what can happen when a community comes together to help a sick child.

Kai is an excellent storyteller who is not afraid to reveal embarrassing secrets about his past. There are some very funny video moments during the show (I especially loved the one at the very end of the show). The show is selling out, deservedly so, and is a must-see for anyone who would love to see an hour of personal and positive comic tales. Do yourself a favour and see this wonderful show.

Punch-Drunk is on at Gilded Balloon Teviot until August 28

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/kai-humphries-punch-drunk

Rose Matafeo: Sassy Best Friend

By Phoebe O’Brien

New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo is inspired by rom-coms. Although, she may feel she embodies the ‘sassy best friend’ character who frequently crops up in those soppy classics as the name of the show suggests, evidently she makes for a strong lead showcased in her follow up to her debut show ‘Finally Dead’.

Rose has a gift. From the get-go she’s so energetic and engaging it’s impressive. Exuding charm and confidence her quick witted, natural storytelling instantly grabs the crowd with seemingly exceptional ease for an hour of pure joy. Her comedy is teamed with theatrics, physicality and musical elements which are clearly a nod to her high school musical days.

As the seats surround her quickly fill, she casually chats to the earlier seated guests.
She’s relaxed and comfortable in her self-made buzzing bubble and luckily we’re all invited in.

Rose will have you eating out the palm of her hand as what’s on offer is a delicious take on stand up, sketch and improv that is relatable and powerful. You’ll be leaning in just that little bit closer to catch everything she says, even the loose throw away comments will get a laugh. Including the laugh of recognition to the mention of Dolly Magazine and the never ending list of unnecessary personality quizzes these magazines could churn out for young women to use to decipher their own behaviour like ‘Which Spice Girl Are You?’

Her continuously upbeat presence contrasts to some of the heavier themes that are sprinkled throughout the show, however her delivery remains strong and clever while discussing issues relating to the mental impact the pill can have on women and she underpins the reality of the lack of diversity and white washing in Hollywood cinema with an adjustment to the Rhianna song ‘Work’, to ‘white’.

Sassy Best Friend is punchy and delightful, while elegantly wrapped in an 80’s rom-com/teen flick. A must see.

Sassy Best Friend is on at Pleasance Courtyard until August 27

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/rose-matafeo-sassy-best-friend

Mark Steel – Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright

By Ron Bingham

I was going to start with a warning to get there early but the front couple of rows had empty seats for ages, which is strange as Mark doesn’t do audience participation. The show itself runs for over 70 minutes, so you will also hit the Tattoo crowds as they exit on weeknights. Right, that’s the logistics out of the way.

Mark has had a difficult time this year, with a messy separation from his wife counterpointed by some genuinely surreal political actions and votes, as well as the consequences from a minor car accident. He starts by discussing devolution, Brexit and the recent UK election, giving us a number of excellent impressions of people and some cogent points on the mentality of MPs and voters, moves on the the problems in his marriage and the ridiculousness of the divorce process, delving into the dangers of getting a Portuguese hunting dog and what happens when the insurance companies sell your accident details to personal injuries claim firms (probably best if anyone from that industry keeps away from the show, as they are grilled slowly over a hot comedic fire) and finishes with a message of hope for the future.

The political material doesn’t delve too deep and doesn’t require more than a passing knowledge of the MPs but is very funny. The part of the show that looks at his divorce and the problems with dealing with mediators and dividing up one’s life is much more poignant and proves an excellent counterpoint to the madness on the political stage. The full house was exuberant in their appreciation and the show was an example of a comedian at the top of his game, brimming with confidence, comedy and heart. There is a lot of swearing, especially at insurance vultures.

Every Little Thing’s Gonna Be Alright is on at Assembly Hall until August 27
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/mark-steel-every-little-thing-s-gonna-be-alright

Isa Bonachera : Wow!

By Ron Bingham

Isa starts her show with a couple of physics jokes courtesy of her failed PhD in physics. She then launches into a show about her youth in the south of France before moving to Michigan for high school and university, then to the UK after a number of setbacks and an incident in a nightclub. Isa has a number of amusing stories to tell, about learning to sail, saving someone from drowning, a cheating boyfriend and other relationship problems, and the problems with deciding to study for a physics degree.

My problem with the show is that Isa has a very strong Spanish accent mixed with some midwest US, which meant I had to concentrate too much on what she was saying to find time to laugh at the appropriate times. Her delivery is also much too fast (possibly nerves), which means she was treading on her own punchlines and the audience were getting left behind. Which is a pity, as many of the stories of her life were amusing. With a slower, more measured delivery this show would be able to reach its full potential.

Wow! is on at Underbelly, Cowgate until August 27

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/wow

Cambridge Impronauts – Improv Actually

By Phoebe O’Brien

Cambridge University are back at the Fringe with their improv troupe the Cambridge Impronauts tackling a much loved film genre the ‘rom-com’, in their show Improv Actually.

While the mash up of rom-com and long form improv based on audience suggestions serve as an enticing backdrop to honest storytelling from the heart about matters of the heart, (which any die hard rom-com lover would drool over) it somehow isn’t enough to escape the uneven level of experience between performers within the rocky storyline that quickly forms.

Improv Actually has its hiccups, yet still manages to bring sweet scenes that will make you laugh and if you let it, it may even hit you right in the feels. Actually

Improv Actually by Cambridge Impronauts
at the Gilded Balloon Teviot 13:15

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/cambridge-impronauts-improv-actually