one4review | On 16, Aug 2024

In a dark basement, part of the Monkey Barrel group, the stage is set with an impressive old dolls house, spookily lit with lights, and then Eleanor Morton appears, dressed in a white Victorian style dress and questions the audience belief in ghosts, stating that her home city Edinburgh as many alleged sightings and a myriad of tours for those who do.
But it is not all about that, although she wants to see one herself, there is her family and their thoughts, how as a comic, and the comedy world descends on the capital in August, overlaying the normal life of many, and then goes.
Eleanor talks plenty about the city too, the gentrifying of Leith, is she part of the problem? Her school days, a trip to Boston, the different types of ghosts being some of the areas covered. She presents the well staged and performed piece delightfully, with many a laugh generated, and the staging and effects complete with sinister recorded voice overs all added to the ambiance. It was a really funny and yes, educational, show.
But. She wasn’t finished. Showing a different side than what I am used to the final segment takes a definite darker tone, one she feels passionately about is aired. Who can blame her.
Eleanor was dubbed the poster child of awkwardness in her early carrier. But no more. This is a strong woman who will be heard and then some.
4 ½ ****
Reviewed by Geoff
Monkey Barrel 2
12.05 to 13.00
Until 25th (not 19th, 20th)