4 Star

****

Fringe veteran Barry Castagnola has always been a funny character comedian who has a novel and inventive use of VT in his productions and this show is no exception, in fact it is better than ever.

At show time following his introduction Barry is missing. The first ‘character’ a venue staff member calls him and with the VT link to the fore we find out why he’s not there. The venue staff guy is persuaded to ‘fill’ for him and so the proceedings go.

The next to ‘help’ is Danny Donkin a rather inept comic on ahead of Barry. This guy is a wash out so Barry’s agent Max takes over to keep everyone occupied with Barry ‘just round the corner’ and finally Camford Players a studenty group of Improv’s take over.

All the time this is happening the video footage of the trials of Barry racing to his venue and his problems along the way are very well filmed and are funny. Also cameo appearances from the like of Brendan Burns, Matt Kirshen, Holly Burn and Anna Morris assist this talented actor in his quest.

There are a lot of industry jibes taking place through out too, all in all a very clever piece, especially if you ‘get it’ early.

Reviewed by Geoff

Gilded Balloon Third Door

Until 26 August

19-00 to 20-00