one4review | On 07, Aug 2023

If all Kathy Maniura had done was impersonate a series of objects on stage, that would have been sufficient to garner her a wealth of acclaim, such is her skill. She’s genuinely brilliant. This is not, however, all she does, and it’s this above and beyond that tips this show into the five star category.

When she first appeared on stage, I entirely believed she was American. It’s clear she’s playing a character, and the nature of that character is not far behind, but it’s not until she’s done with the rather sharp satire and returns to her own self that you realise she is not, in fact, American. She’s just very good at accents, and at embodying characters, numerous examples of which are available throughout.

Ms Maniura has an excellent presence on stage: totally relaxed, serenely confident in her material (justifiably; much uproarious laughter), and friendly and non-threatening. That last is important because she needs more than your average number of volunteers, and a significant proportion of the audience were delighted to. (Nothing too onerous, and it was definitely volunteering, not nomination). The show’s got a framework to keep things organised, Ms Maniura does some excellent chat about the roots of the show and some personal experiences, and the energy never wavers. It’s not a political show, but it does slide in some quite biting commentary so innocuously you might miss it. In sum, a well-crafted, well-rounded, brilliant gem of a show.

 

Reveiwed by Laura

Gilded Balloon Teviot
16:40 (1 hr)
Until 28th (not 14th)