After going to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre recently and seeing Lucy McCormick play Saturninus in their production of Titus Andronicus, I thought I would see what Lucy does without the constraints of the Bard’s pen work, and The Globe’s policies to rein her in. This was my first experience of McCormick’s alternative side, and the two could not be more different.
McCormick likes to greet her audience as they arrive, mingling with them, and I guess the title of the show gives you a hint as to the reason for this, we are to be her friends! Some members of the audience are given jobs to do, she is short-handed, so needs help with some tasks, this inclusion within the show creates an amazing atmosphere within the audience, as we see fellow audience members (sorry, friends), become a part of the show.
Now I will not go into too much detail about what goes on during the show, as this would spoil your fun, but be prepared to laugh, gasp, and think ‘she can’t do that on stage’!
Oh, but she can, and she does!!! You must go along to see the show if you want to know what but suffice it to say that Ms Lucy McCormick is not shy and does not have any inhibitions whatsoever!
And I am so glad that she doesn’t, as it is refreshing to see a performer feeling unconstrained, when comedians very often feel that they must be careful what they say and do, McCormick says and does what the hell she wants! With that being said, it is at no-one’s expense but her own…and the people that must clean up after her!
I would highly recommend this show for people who are open-minded and enjoy comedy that pushes the boundaries of what is acceptable. The show appears ad hoc, but I am sure that it has been meticulously planned, and this is evident in the dialogue, which goes along at a fast pace, so pay attention to keep up.
Lucy & Friends is a chaotic work of art – go on, feel liberated and see the show!
The show runs until the 23rd August, to book tickets follow this link – https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/lucy-and-friends
Reviewer: Caroline Worswick
Reviewed: 5th August 2023
North West End UK Rating: