one4review | On 26, Aug 2024

A triumph in character comedy.

Kate Smurthwaite is back with her new creation, Milo Standards, a male chauvinist alt right self obsessed real proper man from the school of hard knocks. Oh, and he’s got a podcast so that makes him even more important as he keeps reminding everyone.
He’s of a real Frankenstein monster, part Nigel Farage, part white man, entitled, misguided, bigot with outdated views of woman, dating, society, world affairs, and how to improve Britain.

The clever thing Smurthwaite does while as odious as this character she’s avoided the tropes of being too over the top like a Les Patterson. We all know what Milo is, where he comes from but the beauty is the way she controls the narrative, and just when you think actually he kinda makes sense in some twisted way, BALM!, pulls the rug away with a zinger.

Tampons – They are just luxury items like Ferrero Rocher.
Wellness – Is basically toxic shock syndrome.

Looks wise Smurthwaite has gone all out in full Drag King, shaving her head, tweed suit, tie. The transformation into this misogynistic foot soldier of Brexit is uncanny.

There are many layers to this show and my only criticism is it should be longer, feel there is a lot more mileage and layers to be pulled back on this character.

Milo is alive, and kicking. Let’s see where Smurthwaite takes him next.

****
Guest Reviewer Steven
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Banshee Labyrinth