Stimpson

REVIEW: Emma Sidi is Sue Gray

Published on November 1, 2024November 1, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

Character comedy at its best!

Emma Sidi’s performance as Sue Gray at the Soho Theatre offers a funny and insightful take on the former Labour Chief of Staff’s recent journey.

Sidi brings Gray to life as a character who feels like an EastEnders barmaid, complete with a casual Gap T-shirt and a knack for gossip. Through her, we get a humorous look at political figures, portraying Rishi Sunak as a “goofball” whose silly stapler pranks are desperate attempts to be liked. Meanwhile, she expresses a strange admiration for Keir Starmer, describing him as “dripping in rizz,” highlighting the contrast between his serious public image and her fun take on him.

What makes Sidi’s monologue really shine is her commitment to the character. She turns the idea of a barmaid trying to make it in Westminster into a captivating story that keeps the audience engaged. Even if you don’t know much about Gray, you can still appreciate the humor and absurdity Sidi brings to the stage as she impersonates her.

The show is filled with clever moments, like imagining the Prime Minister taking Gray out to Burger & Lobster and creating a fictional feud with a top police officer. Sidi also involves the audience, inviting front-row spectators to join in on spontaneous “watercooler” chats, making the experience even more interactive.

Sidi’s comedic timing is spot-on, especially when she silently reacts to audience members trying to sneak her Jaffa cakes, showing her ability to deliver laughs without saying a word.

Overall, Sidi’s show is a lively mix of character comedy and theatrical flair. As Gray navigates her changing political landscape, she ends up siding with Starmer, even while being oddly drawn to Sunak. This fun exploration of political absurdities is entertaining and thought-provoking, leaving the audience both laughing and reflecting.

REVIEW: Bishops: Farewell Bruce Porcelain

Published on September 1, 2024August 31, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

A hilarious comedy sketch show pretending to be a funeral – it’s a riot!

Upon entering Bishops: Farewell Bruce Porcelain, you are welcomed by the hosts, Chris Curran and Noah Matthews, posing as bishops, as they distribute service booklets for the funeral of Bruce Porcelain. However, the unexpected twist unfolds as Curran and Matthews admit they are not real bishops. Wait what!

The duo proceeds to explain the reason for the unconventional funeral gathering, revealing their quest for approval from Pastor Harry Biata and their decision to stage a religious service, resulting in Bruce Porcelain’s funeral. Despite their lack of baptism, they are determined to deliver a memorable service, leading to inevitable chaos. The show’s central theme revolves around various scenes depicting stages of Bruce Porcelain’s life, particularly focusing on his friendship with Tony from childhood.

With unexpected plot twists, behind-the-scenes peeks, and heartfelt moments between the hosts, this production promises a wild ride for the audience, both in the crowd and behind the curtain. Bishops: Farewell Bruce Porcelain is a hilarious comedy sketch show pretending to be a funeral – it’s a riot!

P.s Chris Curran and Noah Matthews really know how to rock those robes!

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/bishops-farewell-bruce-porcelain

REVIEW: Pear

Published on August 25, 2024August 25, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

Sexy, daring and full of beans. Get ready to laugh your socks off with this dynamic duo!

Have you ever met twins before? Well according to Patrick and Hugo McPherson- no, you haven’t. Reaching for the stars, this 6ft 7 seeing double, double act will have you in fits of giggles as they take on “Satire” (their producers say it’s “in” at the moment but the two haven’t the foggiest what that is!)

The pair lead us through a series of ‘satirical’ sketches, displaying a range of accents, weird but fun physicalities and get the audience involved in a way that is playful and accessible. Patrick and Hugo have great stage presence and their energy is delightfully infectious. The show is guaranteed to have you rolling about with laughter from start to finish.

Packed with impressive physical displays, carefully choreographed moments, catchy songs and dazzling light displays, the show is fun, fast-paced and expertly directed by Jonny Harvey. The synchronicity between this duo is unbeatable, their comedic timing on point and add that to their charming and charismatic personas – I suggest you lock up your sons, daughters, wives AND husbands.

Make sure you catch this dynamic duo before the end of fringe. If you miss them, fear not! Be sure to keep an eye out for them on socials to see what they have next in store for the twins you’ve never seen before.

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

REVIEW: idiots… GAY idiots

Published on August 24, 2024August 23, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

Tomfoolery at its finest!

idiots… GAY idiots is exactly what it says on the tin. Very gay and very idiotic! Enter this vaudeville cabaret for an hour of belly laughing whilst watching various acts including drag, stand up, comedy and buckets of tomfoolery. The show is “sort of hosted by Grace Fool and actually hosted by Jennifer Schmenier.” The pair are a slick, entertaining and funny, funny, funny double act. They bring the glitz, the glam, some great one liners, hilarious songs and a bunch of funny sketches. They share the stage with various acts who all brought a hilarious and wonderful uniqueness to their shows. From show twinks to gays on rollerblades and a witch with a basket ball plus that woman dressed as a milk-man slash cow- this show is a whirlwind of some of the best gay idiots around and they sure do know how to give you a great time!

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/idiots-gay-idiots

REVIEW: Identities

Published on August 22, 2024August 21, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

Empowering, informative and uplifting

Say hello to Lucy! Well, her left and right boob to be more precise. Performed by the stern, sensible and sensitive, Rae Bell accompanied by the energetic, cheeky and fun loving Hannah Harquart. Surrounded by a set of soft pink drapes, disco balls, jazzy patterned rugs and bright lights the stage is set as the audience takes their seats.

Maya Shimmin’s production is slick, heartwarming and informative- the actors take us on a 60 minute journey of Lucy’s life, sharing with us the highs and the lows of adolescence, relationships and what happens after Lucy is diagnosed with breast cancer. The show uses clever theatrical devices including: sharp physical sequences, lighthearted and cheeky audience interactionsand empowering voice overs from real-life women who had been diagnosed with cancer.

Hannah Harquart and Rae Bell make a fantastic double act, their energy onstage is electric and infectious. The balance between light and shade throughout the show is well placed and beautifully found. The audience were catapulted from moments of joy to sorrow throughout which made for an exciting and engaging watch.

Identities is a heartfelt and uplifting production that cleverly uses these two tits to tell Lucy’s story in a way that is accessible, energetic and memorable. Be sure to grab a ticket before the end of the Fringe and also remember to “Check your tits!”

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

REVIEW: Girlhood

Published on August 12, 2024August 11, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

Sweet, tender and thought-provoking.

A well executed portrayal of three women set over three decades questioning their role as women in society and how they must do better than their mothers.

Our story starts on New Year’s Eve with each of the women facing a question about motherhood. Is it everything they’ve wanted? Are they ready for children? Or do they even want children at all? As the story unfolds we see them grapple with these questions as they try to figure out their place in the world.

The play does well to address the social issues and attitudes towards women and motherhood. We can clearly see how these attitudes have evolved as we swiftly move from the 70s to present day. Times have changed and it is interesting to see how women no longer feel the need to be mothers if they do not wish to be- the social pressure is lifted.

The way in which we are presented these three snippets of life is beautiful. The stagecraft is clean, well directed and dream-like. Our actors take to the stage as if in a dance, they are slick, well rehearsed and charming. Cecilie Fray’s direction is sharp, precise and detailed. Together with the cast and crew they have created a beautiful story which I suggest you go and see!

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

REVIEW: Elliot Steel: Soft Boi Core

Published on August 11, 2024August 10, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

Razor sharp with an inner softness. Elliot Steel is back with another smash hit show.

With a smash-hit show already under his belt, Elliot Steel is back again bringing his sharp wit and trademark sense of dark humour.

Elliot commands the space with ease and precision as he delivers his well thought out confessional piece. He shares with us the hellish year he has had along with the rest of humanity. The theme of toxic masculinity pops up throughout the show- it is cut-throat, witty and sometimes pushed to the edge of the line- but this doesn’t throw Elliott in the slightest as he continues to plough through and hit us with those snappy punchlines.

There is a beautiful softness to this piece of work as Elliot opens up about family and his past relationships. Although he may show a hard exterior, he too- along with many other men have got that soft boi core.

Come and see this honest piece of work, your night will be filled with joy, laughter and a new perspective on what male vulnerability really looks like.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/elliot-steel-soft-boi-core

REVIEW: Dead Mom Play

Published on August 10, 2024August 10, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

An exquisite exploration of grief. This play has it all – do not miss!

Not a morning person? Well start becoming one because you will not want to miss this show. Our story begins with Charlie, a young man who is struggling to accept the loss of his mother and deal with the subsequent grief. He calls upon Death and a razor-tongued version of his Mother to help. But will he listen to them or get lost in a whirlpool of his own stubborn, egotistical self-denial and lose touch with reality.

Ben Blais is a linguistic genius, this dark-comedy is cut-throat, fluid and thought-provoking. The cast execute this script perfectly, allowing each and every nuance to be discovered and felt- together they have created something truly magnificent.

As Charlie, Griffyn Bellah is a nervous ticking time-bomb, he wriggles and bounces around the stage catching us off-guard with each new distracting thought while his mother withers away in bed. His performance is meticulous, relatable and extremely funny. Liv Hodder offers a beautiful contrast as the ‘former actress’ playing the Mother. She is blunt and sharp when holding the mirror up to Charlie, but soft and gentle in equal measure – Liv shared some unforgettable moments of authenticity. To complete our trio, please enter Death-draped in black and carrying his scythe Joseph Bellis walks out and delivers an engaging and incredibly dry portrayal of Death. “You should really lock your doors, anyone can just walk in.”

This soul-bearing, fast-paced, provocative play is an exquisite exploration of grief and the challenges we face when losing a loved one. Ben Blais, along with his cast have hit the jackpot- from writing to direction and performances on stage- I walked out with a sense of longing and the desire to call home. It is a beautiful homage to those we have lost and a reminder to see past ourselves and focus on those who need our help, especially when it matters most.

Dead Mom Play will be performing at The Space Theatre, Venue 9 on Niddry Street on the 10th of August at 9:20am and the 12th-17th at 9:40am.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/dead-mom-play

REVIEW: My Last Two Brain Cells

Published on August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

A glorious hour of hilarious absurdity that will have you crying with laughter.

My Last Two Brain Cells is a fast paced, ridiculously silly absurdist comedy set in the head office of TPL Inc. (Temporal Lobe Incorporated). In charge of leading the tour around Gary’s body is unlikely duo Brain Cell Number 12 and Brain Cell Number 64,928,460,784. Whilst these two bicker over who is the funniest brain cell they uncover that they are now in fact, the last two brain cells in Gary’s body and must work together in order to save themselves and save Gary’s life.

Tom Hazelden & Joe Pike work tremendously together! Their relationship with the audience, also known as the other “hormones” , is fun, playful, engaging and rewarding. This pair have a great comedic timing and an impressive set of improvisation skills. They don’t hold back when it comes to bouncing off the audience – this made for a more spontaneous performance and had us all crying with laughter.

With a nod to clowning, sketch comedy and a sprinkle of touching moments, the pair have created a beautiful new blend of comedy – which, luckily – they were more than happy to share with the rest of us hormones. The show is a triumph and I am excited to see how it expands so that more spectators may be tickled by this hilarious duo.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/my-last-two-brain-cells

REVIEW: The Chaos That Has Been and Will No Doubt Return

Published on August 9, 2024August 9, 2024 by StimpsonLeave a comment

Characters galore!

The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return is a compelling coming of age story that follows two best friends living in Luton post-2008 crash as they navigate their way through adolescence. We enter a world full of colourful characters, challenging family dynamics, dreams of going to university and escaping this ghost town in order to give themselves and their parents a better shot at life.

The story is led by our charismatic, charming and cheeky unnamed narrator, (Olatunji Ayofe) who drives the piece forward with vigour and precision. We watch his attempts to juggle family life, love interests, future goals, what it means to be a man or more importantly, to be on the “precipice of choice.” and how these decisions shape us.

His best friend, Lewis (Elan Butler) , a laid back dreamer, accompanies him as they run wild round Luton, finding ways to get booze, look sharp and impress the girls, especially Lakesha (Amaia Naima Aguinaga) at her birthday party. Both Elan and Amaia deliver an impressive array of adult characters throughout which allows for the much needed comedic relief on either side of our narrator’s visceral monologues.

The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return is a jam packed treat! It offers fantastical characters, soaring stakes, beautiful friendships, a sense of belonging and an acceptance that no matter where your dreams may take you- home will always be waiting for you.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/chaos-that-has-been-and-will-no-doubt-return