one4review | On 20, Aug 2019

It is billed as Helen Bauer’s debut Fringe hour but I think it appeared to be anything but that. Helen is a larger than life character, confidence oozes out of every pore as she grabs the gig by the scruff of its neck and doesn’t let go until the very end.
This confidence may well have grown by forced attendance at The Anne Bauer’s Drama School, her mother’s home academy for maybe her own gratification rather than the kids. She is attention seeking, loves to be in control of the gig, yet is endearing and seems to be smiling most of the time.
Her delightfully put together set travels to such diverse subjects as poor quality of jeans manufacture, lack of guards by the tall section of shops, a love of cheese that led to her first job, penchant for wine and donner kebabs, a failed relationship or was it? Gok Wan TV shows, hair fringes and of course her mother, who features regularly during her discourse.
This may have been Helen’s first Fringe but I’m sure it won’t be her last. The enthusiastic reaction to her show from both the industry and the public alike is well merited and her future looks both assured and bright.
****
Reviewed by Geoff
Pleasance Bunker One
18.00 to 19.00
Until 25th