***

Walking into the auditorium, the layout of the set immediately grabs your attention. Props and hats abound. We are transported back to the days of the 1940’s radio play. One by one the 5 performers are introduced, the males in dinner suits and the ladies in evening dress.

Before the show goes ‘on air’, we, the studio audience, are instructed in our role of giving applause as necessary. The Fitzrovia show is an hour of ‘thrilling tales’. The hats indicate the characters and the props provide the vast range of sound effects. The action is frenetic and cleverly co-ordinated as the performers deliver their lines in cut glass accents.

The first two tales are told authentically, but the final story descends into a chaotic, confusing rush as a battle of stories is played out. As to the humour, well there is plenty of hamming it up throughout, but for me there was more style than substance and a lack of subtlety in the timing. At the end, the audience’s reaction was mixed – from hearty applause to none at all. I think the Fitzrovia brand of comedy could be an acquired taste.

Reviewed by Ben

Gilded Balloon Teviot: 14

1 to 27 August 2012 (not 15)

17.45 – 18.45

Fringe Programme Page Number: 77