Jimmy Made Parole is a gritty one-man show performed with aplomb by the talented Charles Edward Pipe, who plays Jimmy with a mix of tremulous charm, desperation, and streetwise swagger. Fresh out of prison, Jimmy’s got a simple goal, he wants to impress his girl with flowers, smart clothes, and respectable shoes. The only problem? The money he hid when he went to prison has disappeared. What follows is 55 minutes of gambling, drinking, and rubbing shoulders with all the wrong sorts, in a frantic bid to pull it all together.

The audience isn’t just watching; we’re right in the thick of it. Jimmy ropes us into his schemes, and while participation could easily flop, it didn’t here. The crowd gradually warmed to Jimmy’s tale and joined in with his money-making attempts enthusiastically. The “battle of the thumbs” was a real highlight.

Charles’ understated delivery and need to explain his jokes didn’t always hit the mark but the audience participation certainly increased everyone’s enjoyment of the show. It’s only on until the 8th August, so pop along and see just how successful Jimmy was!

****

Reviewed by Rona

Snug in Paradise at Augustines

15.45 (55 mins)

Until 8 Aug