Edinburgh Festival Day Two: 'Pondling', 'Broke', 'The Only Way is Downton' and 'Showstoppers- The Improvised Musical'

Pondling: A one woman show about a psychotic little girl. The monologue explores the  interesting ideas of how a girl, deprived of a loving family environment, reacts and creates events with her crazy imagination and it was well worth an hour of my time. The writing was hilarious in parts but very disturbing in others and I was always captured by the astounding acting of Genevieve Hulme- Beaman. I'm sure this show would be recommended by almost everyone in the audience.
3 STARS

Broke: After reading a review of the company The Paper Birds, Broke was on my list to see. Fast-forwarding/ rewinding through a recording of the story of a 28 year old woman and other characters gave us an insight into the effect that debt can have on a single life while simultaneously explaining the whole situation on the larger scale. The use of media was tremendous; sound bites, lighting, music, projections, they had it all! A diffcult piece to perform well too, it was both very physical and emotional at times but the actors couldn't have done better.
4 STARS

The Only Way is Downton: The impression of each character or show mentioned in this was perfect. The physicality, the voice and accent, just everything was spot on in (another) extraordinary one man show. I liked the way that the show was not only including Downton Abbey, although centred on it, but provided extra entertainment with impressions of X- Factor, Great British Bakeoff, Pointless and Tom Daley to name a few. Myself and the majority of the audience were in laughter for almost the full hour and the talented Luke Kempner kept us entertained (excluding someone who snuck out providing a witty 'she obviously prefers Call the Midwife'). This show deserves the success it has had and, even if you don't know the show, you are in for a treat.
4 STARS

Showstoppers- The Improvised Musical: The audience twist this show in the direction they want, guided by one of the actors, in order to create one of the most entertaining shows I have ever watched. Last night, we created a musical set in the Liverpool Docks featuring a giraffe and the music was based on Sister Act, Rocky Horror, Matilda, Book of Mormon and Gilbert and Sullivan. I have no idea how the performers cope when they thrown into another song or how they create such a range of lyrics and dialogue (they did get stumped a few times but that's all part of the fun)! Starting at 10:30 this is honestly one of the best ways you could spend your evening. It's insane, hysterical and you are in control. Who knows how wacky the show you create will be?
5 STARS