one4review | On 07, Aug 2023

There are a few technical issues right at the beginning of the show.  The mic is not working and the lights fail to dim but of course Gail is a veteran of live television and is more than able to recover the situation with humour. 

Gail began her TV career in the early nineties presenting kids shows and progressing to grown up TV including The Big Breakfast and Top Of the Pops.

It has been well documented that life was not all that it seemed for the girl from Portobello who had achieved such success on TV. There was an eating disorder,  years of self harm, low self esteem, a bipolar diagnosis and post natal depression.  On paper this would not make great material for stand up comedy show but Gail is a very talented story teller and we are hooked and laughing at the ridiculousness of life’s journey.

The journey from one or two scrapes at school with an over protective, occasionally religious mother, working at B&Q and then onto somehow breaking into television, as a lowly runner, to being given her big break presenting.  It all seems to have happened in the blink of an eye. Indeed the evening is fast paced and very entertaining.

Humour is a common thread and one which seems to have gotten Gail through her darkest days. Gail has such an engaging and endearing quality.

After a serious short speech about mental health it’s back to the fun stuff!  The finale is a rendition of Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen and we are all invited to get up and dance and even join Gail on stage if we feel so inclined.

A funny, entertaining, very impressive Fringe debut.

5*****

Reviewed by Margot

Assembly George Square (Studio 2)

19.00 (1hr)
Until 28 Aug (not 14 or 21)