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drinks Monday 4 August 08
The Bearded Ladies
Verdict: Outstanding comedy
The show is an hour of sketches by comedy quartet The Bearded Ladies.
A headteacher interrupts her class to order cocaine and vodka, odd questions arise and slack jaws droop in speed-dating, there's vigourous Spanish dancing (Olé), an innumerate gym instructor who can't count to the beat, a hair stylist cutting by mime, and a pr woman who speaks only 14th century English.
It's undoubtedly one of the top shows for this year's Edinburgh, with even previews crammed to the doors. There's enormous word-of-mouth, and on the strength of tonight's show it's fully justified. Most importantly, it's funny. Accessibly funny too - it taps direct into a common vein of comedy, but without being predictable. The material is unusual and original, the performers sparkle.
Individually funny, and in the pairs, trios and quartet that they form at different times, each actor makes a strong contribution. As a group, they have the matchless element of comedy, strong physical contrast.
Charlotte McDougall's tall and slender; Susie Donkin's petite; Fay Rusling's in between; Oriane Messina fractionally wider; they're all lovely. They're aware of how their contrasts in appearance work with the sketches - something often missing from team comedy. And they're infectiously funny - as if it comes from inside. All schools have four bad girls, and this is how they grew up.
Memorable sketches from this night include Charlotte McDougall importuning a stoic male dummy - a masterpiece of solo acting, acutely observed and lots of fun - and her fabulous 14th century pr agent. Oriane Messina delivers strong ensemble and solo performances, memorably as a woman who turns French, and Welsh hairdresser - with a remarkable ability to evoke pathos, as well as full-on comedy.
Susie Donkin delivers a couple of the night's highlights; as a scheming parody-infant-feeding mum; and her tour-de-force as an ambiguous South African estate agent - just glorious. Fay Rusling delights constantly, including her glorious harrassed lifeguard, mime-hair-cutting victim, and schoolgirl longing to catch the ball.
It's briskly and subtly directed by Simon Scardifield, with skilful and apt light and sound by Bernd Fauler.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Susie Donkin, Charlotte McDougall, Oriane Messina, Fay Rusling.
Company Credits: Simon Scardifield - Director. Bernd Fauler - Light & Sound. PR - Kim Morgan & Paul Sullivan.
END
John Park
reviewed Latchmere Theatre / Tuesday 13 July 04.
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
