A kazoo announces Bridget Christie's regal arrival. She rants about the producers for not getting her a decent CD player and the difficulties she has with the technical side of things - mainly her nephew James, who she only took on a as favour to her sister. She describes how she became passionate about the Restoration monarch from a painting which she had seen as a child. As paid-up member of (UK historical re-enaction society) The Sealed Knot, she demonstrates how she trains at her gym by fencing to Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor.

There's a visit from architect Sir Christopher Wren, wearing a hard hat. Witch-Finder-General Matt Hopkins sniffs out a witch in the crowd with a crucifix and whistle - a manic waving of the crucifix when one is found is very funny. Unfortunately the witch can't be burned because of 'bloody health and safety'. Samuel Pepys writes his daily blog. King Charles takes to the stage with his lap dulcimer, and sings about musicals just being songs made up of lists.

The Black Death makes an appearance, with Bridget Christie wearing black, burbling, wittering and gurgling into the mic in a way that's a cross between a fly speaking in tongues and Scratch The Squirrel from Ice Age. Working hard, Bridget Christie elicits laughs from unexpected areas of her show. She isn't afraid of taking risks, and if things don't work, she has the professionalism to shrug her shoulders, take responsibility, and move on to the next zany character.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Bridget Christie.

Company Credits: Writer - Bridget Christie. Director - Rob Thirtle. Music Arranger - Bridget Christie. Costume and Set - Bridget Christie. Lighting - James Lowey. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer / Company - Siobhan Rhodes with David Johnson and John McKay in association With Show + Tell Productions

END

(c) Lea Harris 2008

reviewed Tuesday 19 August 08 / Underbelly's Baby Belly, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com