An endearing performer, Collier is at ease with the audience. Immediately explaining exactly how the show is going to go down and although it's a technique mostly left in school classrooms, it surprisingly works, mapping out segments of the show and letting the audience in on the structure before she's even begun. Let's face it, in a place like Edinburgh Fringe it's a treat to know exactly where you stand as an audience. It's all too easy for an audience to be wary of a performer before a show starts, or to expect to be 'picked on' by a comedian if they sit in the front row.
Is there interaction in Jen-Hur? Yes. A lot of the show is propelled by questions posed to the audience and their reaction, but it is done in a relaxed chatty way that is more inviting then intrusive. It's like having a chat with a friend - a really, really funny friend.
As she gleefully regales the audience with stories of the Welsh language and her family, you can see that this isn't just to make us laugh, but something which she genuinely finds funny. It's infections to watch and a joy to behold. Collier takes us through the various job roles that have led her to follow her dreams and to get to this Edinburgh stage. From call centres to clinics, she's worked in them all.
Self deprecating and self aware, she even describes the show as an hour long series of emissions to make her completely unemployable to everyone who comes along to watch it, and whilst that may be true, I think everyone leaves wishing they were her friend.
A brilliant show and well worth a watch, because we all need to be reminded its worth following our dreams now and again!
* * * * *
Jenny Collier: Jen-Hur is on at Underbelly Med Quad until August 28th
0 Comments