one4review | On 12, Aug 2023

Clementine, spinster of this parish, has been given an ultimatum: marry before her next birthday, or risk being confined to the asylum. This period piece (all the periods. Medieval to 1920s, and some contemporary bits too) is her tale of self-discovery.

The show is far less serious and much more absurd than that makes it sound. Rosalie Minnitt is the eponymous Clementine, flouncing onto stage in a pink satin evening gown and embodying a parody of a rather self-obsessed teenager (even though she’s nearly 27). There’s a plot, but it’s one workshopped by a fairy-tale inspired five year old collaborating with a fanfic obsessed sixteen-year old hopped up on sugar at a sleepover. and letting their brains dribble. It’s deranged, pulling in tropes and clichés from all sorts of places – definitely Jane Austen, but also modern pop-culture references (Stranger Things. I think?).

It is also really good fun, with quite a bit of audience participation (some from your seat, a couple of souls with full-on assigned parts). Ms Minnitt absolutely carries the show, commitment and energy for miles and unto the end of the show. This is comedy of the ridiculous and the absurd and the bemusement, albeit a few bits were slightly hampered by the nature of the room (anyone behind the front row couldn’t see). There’s nothing profound about this show, there’s no message at the end; just good clean fun by a lovely performer.

Reviewed by Laura

Underbelly Cowgate
14:25 (1hr)
Until 27th (not 14th)