Thursday, 4 August 2016

Big Bite-Size Breakfast Show (Menu 2), Pleasance Dome, Edinburgh Fringe

A civilised start to a Fringing day.  Fresh strawberries brought to you in the queue, coffee and croissant to pick up on the way to your seat.  Which would be little more than a gimmick were the show which followed were a let down, but fortunately the comestibles are just the icing on an already excellent cake.

Five playlets in one hour from a cast of seven.  The subject matter varies widely : a marriage guidance session that reverses expectations; two couples show the narrow dividing line between success and failure in relationships; a mafia hit man is presented with an unexpected request; an elderly couple discuss the new animals in their life; and policemen who more interested in tea and biscuits than doing their job.  All five are very funny, but there's some serious intent too.  Clown Therapy questions our view of what constitutes 'normal'.  The interweaving dialogues of Double Dana are smart, effective, and challenge the skills of the four actors involved.  Favour for the Boss brings an unexpected feminist twist to the underworld.  And although Suspicious Minds is the silliest of the bunch it gives Javier Rasero a chance to show off his excellent comic timing.

An enjoyable start to any Fringe day, Bite-Size Breakfast is on at the Pleasance Dome until the 29th, with three 'menus' on offer, each featuring different short pieces.  Recommended.

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