Categories: Scotland

The Silly and Unnecessary Variety Show – Virtual Edinburgh Fringe

Online comedy is difficult. You know that awkward pause in a live show where no one laughs at a joke and there’s just silence? That’s what you get all the way through. Even the best comedians struggle to deal with this lack of atmosphere and streaming live over the internet means that things can and do go wrong.

Lori Hamilton cleverly addresses this at the beginning of her performance, inviting us to take a drink or snack to fill those awkward gaps. Her show is broadcast live from her home in New York, and “produced” by her two cats. She flits between different characters and video content, with a touch of added whimsy. Was it silly? Absolutely. Was it unnecessary? Perhaps.

Her style isn’t one that particularly works for me, but it did have that touch of Fringe nostalgia – stumbling into a random free show in the basement of a bar, not having a clue what you are in for, and having to stick it out to the end of the performance. And hey, at least there were cats.

The Space UK are releasing 80 shows online in place of this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. https://online.thespaceuk.com

Reviewer: Poppy Stewart

Reviewed: 12th August 2020

North West End UK Rating: ★★★

Paul Downham

Recent Posts

Star of Wonder – Unity Theatre

This collaborative production from Theatre Porto and Teatro Pomodoro, originally performed at Theatre Porto in…

3 days ago

Aladdin – The Brindley

The atmosphere inside The Brindley last night was electric as scores of excited children (and…

3 days ago

Ballet Shoes – National Theatre

Based on the well-loved novel by Noel Streatfeild, Ballet Shoes is the heartwarming story of…

4 days ago

Cinderella – Kings Head Theatre

I had the luxury of seeing Cinderella in Pantomime at the Kings Head Theatre in…

4 days ago

Mrs Peacock’s Feathers – Alexander House, Auchterarder

In the depths of the Scottish countryside, I attended the birthday party celebrations of a…

4 days ago

A Christmas Carol – Norton Priory

Theres something so magical about seeing the Dickens masterpiece ‘A Christmas Carol’ played live around…

5 days ago