Rachel Parris : It's Fun To Pretend, The Stand

The main theme of Parris' latest show is Imposter Syndrome, the feeling we've all had that we're way out of our depth and only pretending to be competent.  But this musical comedy offering took us into other places too, like the lack of glamour in sex (where double knotted shoelaces have a lot to answer for) and Rachel's sneaking desire to be Elton John.  And several of John's melodies feature in her vocal pastiches which reveal a real talent for keyboards and decent singing voice.

Her persona is open, friendly, with a coquettish innocence that belies the sharp digs at the patriarchy and political jibes at the likes of Trump and, her particular bete noir, Gove.  Highlight of the show is a smart, slow-burning metaphor for the shambles of trying to leave the EU that starts with an over confident child at a piano lesson, underestimating the work required to master the complexities of the keys.  The odd bit of audience interaction gives her a chance to show off some of her improv skills, but at heart this is a well crafted and consistently funny show that majors on entertainment, but carries a bit of bite at times.

Recommended.