one4review | On 10, Aug 2023

The title doesn’t really let you know what to expect with this one but there was an air of anticipation as the sold out show welcomed Alexandra’s arrival on stage, all wondering what ‘Not the finest hour’ would be.

The intro asks why people are not so up front and honest anymore and don’t tend to own up to their mistakes, this sets the scene as Alexandra reveals what the story is mainly about.

She alludes to having a relationship approximately 10 years ago when she was single in her 20’s with a man who was married in his 40’s. To complicate matters more, the male in question was a not so well-known sports presenter, but does she reveal which one?

Alexandra then reflects on previous relationships including a Green party member who only wanted to have sex with the light on, oh the irony!

She talks about her 1st sexual relationship and how she had told all her friends she was going on a trip to London to lose her virginity with her boyfriend, however things don’t quite end up as planned.

Although Alexandra appears to have done alright for herself, spending a lot of time in London and rubbing shoulders with the rich & wealthy, she had grown up in Corby. Her description of how she remembers growing up there is sadly funny which I’m sure a lot of people will relate to.

Back to the main story and Alexandra discussed safe sex or lack of and the dilemma she had to face. Being in a relationship with a married man would always bring difficulties and ultimatums that required tough decisions. Would she stay or would she go?

Although there was a lot of comedy throughout this real-life story, there were deeper issues addressed throughout making it easier to sympathise and harder to laugh. You genuinely feel Alexandra’s journey was a difficult one yet admire how she looks back and reflects on what went wrong, the choices she made and accepts her mistakes, whilst adding a bit of humour along the way.

A very well-presented show.

3.5***

Reviewed by Steve
Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker 2
18.55 (1hr)
Until 25 Aug