“Masterful Clowning with a Pitch Perfect Premise”
Sitting smoking a pipe as the audience funnel into the venue, Garry Starr builds anticipation. As the chair swivels around, we realise the show we are in for, and yet are still surprised by the lines Starr is willing to push.
The concept is relatively simple, a show that will cover the entire back catalogue of novels published by penguins, or, as we know it, Penguin Classics Publishing. It is an incredibly well written show that moves through dozens of novels, providing short set pieces to cover each of them. It is fantastically constructed to be engaging and wonderfully fun at every moment. Starr, as the penguin, is partially naked, and progressively gets more naked as the show goes on. Incredibly, this is normalised almost instantly, and the nudity forms a part of the show but does not become the main point. In fact, by putting himself in such a vulnerable position from the off, Starr builds a trust that doesn’t break, instead building momentum the further in we go as the audience are asked to participate in more and more absurd ways. From building a monster to stripping on stage, the show is built in such a way that gets us on board and does not let us move away from that.
The relationship that is built with the audience is in no short part due to the undeniable talents of Starr himself. He is a clown at the peak of his game, pushing the limits on every set play he possibly can. He embodies the penguin well and has so much fun in the show. The joy of Starr is infectious and wonderful to see. There is nothing better than watching a performer enjoy what they are doing, and this show exemplifies that. We are happy to do whatever Starr asks as we know it won’t embarrass us or make us uncomfortable: he builds a wonderfully safe space from the start through the show. The sound production is also excellent, with Starr interacting well with the technical aspects to build more levity into the show.
Massive plaudits must be given to the audience and other clowns who participate. They all embraced the silliness and nakedness of the piece, adding to the overall experience. Nine people shared a grape from mouth to mouth, nine strangers as good as kissed each other for no real reason. That in itself is credit to what Starr has created. There was a surprise cameo for everyone, including our penguin, when Harvey Guillen came from the audience to throw grapes on the stage. It was joyous for everyone to watch, and this show should never lose its joviality.
This is what the Fringe is about: absurd silliness that brings people together. Starr encapsulates this feeling, and you leave the show with nothing but joy in your heart and a smile on your face.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Grand at Pleasance Courtyard
Dates: 5th – 30th August (Not 12th, 18th, 25th)
Time: 21.20
Ticket prices: £22.00/ concessions £20.0p
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com
Suitable for 18+ (Restriction)