one4review | On 11, Aug 2026

What a gradual transformation has taken place over the past decade or more since Eleanor Morton, starting as the awkward kid gradually morphing into the confident, erudite woman of today. One thing that has been constant though is the ability to make people laugh and also think during the performance.

The stage is set with a mock up of a Mermaid, Eleanor, sitting on rocks and when we were settled in we were led through a brief history of mermaids, the difference to a siren, sightings and so on, illustrated in part by on screen Avs. But intertwined with this Eleanor expounds on her own youthful desire to be a Mermaid, in spite of obvious drawbacks.

The hour progresses with further history, both of growing up, famous writers, redheads, teen magazines and pinups, and snakes as examples  but it is also woven through more serious thoughts and opinions. But I have not mentioned the laughs as yet and there were plenty of them, her crowd work was not overdone but sharp, and even the inclusion of her techy along the way all added to the enjoyment.

She may be talking about a mythical being, but Eleanor is the real deal as a comic, and the early afternoon showtime is ideal to start off a Fringe days viewing.

**** ½

Reviewed by Geoff

Monkey Barrel Cabaret Voltaire Cab1

13.00 to 14.00

Until 30^th August (not 17,18, 24,25)