Diana Sinclair made her comedy debut at the 2003 Fringe with her needle-sharp observations about the challenges of everyday life. This year's setting of the C venue Cabaret bar inspires an hilarious opening number - Diana appears through the curtain as Liza Minelli in the musical Cabaret, black wig, bowler hat, black slinky top and running shorts, singing karaoke style. It's a fabulous send-up and a cracking start to the show.
It was a friend who described Diana as "seriously funny" and a born entertainer. She has an extraordinary natural comedic talent and her unscripted, inimitable performance style simply shares her own womanly experiences such as pregnancy when her husband was more an embarrassment than a support at check-up appointments. She recalls memories of her grandmother's kitchen and washing day blues past and present. "Why do manufacturers keep changing products?" she asks. " First powder, then liquid, powder tablets, liquid pellets, string bags - what next?". Other curiosities reveal differences between English and Scottish food. Did you know you could only buy sugar-free oatcakes and ham stock cubes in Scotland?
One less successful aspect of this new show is a walk around the audience engaging in inane conversations about where people come from. She was also hampered by a hand-held microphone. Diana is at her supreme best when she has an array of props, domestic implements and clothing reminiscing fluffy angora cardigans and rain-mate hats of childhood. And in a side-splitting impersonation of a BBC news reporter tying her ever-so-fashionable scarf, she almost strangles herself. Sheer brilliance. More of this physically acted, observational humour and less stand-up chat will create a first rate, professional performance.
When and Where
Central Cabaret Bar (Venue 54), Carlton Hotel, North Bridge. Runs to 30 August every day at 12.30pm.Vivien Devlin, August 2004
Return to Index of 2004 Fringe Reviews.
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