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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Rhona Cameron
Verdict: Impish and fun
London / National Tour - Sadler's Wells - Aug/Dec 03
'I don't have a very tight opening,' Rhona Cameron confides. 'Not at my age.' She's referring to the artfully informal start to the London night of her national tour, and teasing the mainly female and gay audience in the way she means to continue. 'Lesbians like to shout out,' she warns. 'It's a 1980's Greenham Common keening'.
There's a relaxed and friendly feel to the massive audience. The show's at Sadler's Wells's magnificent, newish and enormous theatre. There's a thousand or more Rhona Cameron fans in tiers. It's the biggest show so far, she confides, and confesses to being a little nervous. Don't believe it. From start to end, Rhona Cameron's fully in control, her inspired and discursive observational comedy taking in with humour even the most persistent heckler (and there is one).
Her set tonight includes the way we are in trains in the stress of the daily commute; the finesse of 'just missing the train', as opposed to missing it; fireworks; aromatherapy - and candles (cue for more ribald heckling); lesbian air hostesses; lesbian nursing homes ('levis and black t-shirts'); ageing; and that's just in the first few minutes.
A pretty woman, in elegant pin-stripe suit, Rhona Cameron is seldom still. She presents a highly physical set, in which she acts out visually what she's describing in words. It's a technique that brings her sharp perceptions on the human condition vividly to life.
There's a light touch to the evening, and the material flows without jagged edges. The changes of direction and tangents sometimes evoke Eddie Izzard; the technique and content are unique to Rhona Cameron. She finishes with an ironic reflection on her recent life, the song 'I'm Here', showing off her subtle jazz voice.
An unusual and highly individualistic performer, Rhona Cameron's relaxed set and personal charm allow the gentle nature of her comedy to filter through. It's impish, infectious - and fun.
Credits: Written and performed by Rhona Cameron. Technical operator - Sadler's Wells staff. Management - RBM Comedy.
END
John Park
reviewed Friday 7 November 03 / Sadler's Wells
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
