Reviews
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FUCKED
"Becci Gemmell performs this 90-minute monologue on female frailty, female wisdom and the beauty and constant horror of simply being female, with such care and feeling and panache I was stunned to learn it wasn't her own writing, but that of Penelope Skinner. This late-ish show won deservedly round applause and can only keep getting better and better." THE OBSERVER
"With a bleakly enchanting performance by Becci Gemmell, ‘Fucked’ (is) a terrific example of quality new writing enhanced by slick, fluid direction and a flawless sense of timing." THREE WEEKS
"Penelope Skinner’s debut one-woman play is a powerful study of cause and effect that explores the gulf between a young woman’s idealism and the dismal reality she is forced to accept. Hilariously cynical, shockingly frank and devastatingly vulnerable, F is a brilliantly crafted character whose painful experiences ring true. A superbly natural performance from Becci Gemmell draws the audience into F’s dysfunctional life to expose the self-loathing born from her accidental promiscuity ... An intimate documentary of a life in downward spiral, Fucked is a breathtaking example of gritty realism at its best." FEST
"Playwright Penelope Skinner expertly tells us so through a serious of snapshots of this girl's life, progressing backwards. Brilliantly delivered, searingly written and deftly directed this is a painful, funny, poignant and achingly 'real' show. If you only see one monologue at the Fringe this year, this is the one to see." BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE
"On a bare set with only a bed for company, Becci Gemmell puts in a charming performance as the unfortunate young woman – sweet, funny and self-deprecating by turns. Penelope Skinner’s witty script displays an admirably light touch, ably keeping her subject involving rather than self-involved, and in this she is supported by Gemmell’s genial yet vulnerable characterisation." THE STAGE
"This feels like a writer/performer piece but a little research reveals it to be Becci Gemmell speaking Penelope Skinner's words. Very good words they are too, full of lovely, if unflattering, pithy descriptions of the habits of men out on the town. The performance is so good that these words sound as though they are tumbling out spontaneously from the lively young woman in front of us." ONSTAGESCOTLAND
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THE ORIGIN OF SPECIES...
"Remarkably inventive, thoroughly entertaining and even quite educational, John Hinton's monologue with music in the guise of Charles Darwin is a show for adults that reminds you what you always wished theatre in schools had been like ... This is either an extraordinarily effective piece of teaching, disguised as entertainment, or a delightful entertainment that somehow carries more weight than you'd expect from a solo comic show. In either case, 19th-century science can rarely have been so fascinating and never so much fun." THE STAGE - MUST SEE!
"Hinton sings, strums and juggle spiders like a monkey on snuff, while also playing the entire cast of Darwin’s family and the membership of the London Geological Society to boot. It’s a child friendly performance, but there’s plenty for grown-ups too ... You can’t fault Hinton’s energy, enthusiasm and blindingly shiny smile, nor the standing ovation he gets from several audience members at the end of the show." WHATSONSTAGE
"John Hinton gives a splendidly animated and humorous performance as the re-incarnation of Charles Darwin. The story is beautifully crafted in words and music, with touches of mime ... John Hinton’s script and lyrics reveal an ingenious and imaginative mind." ONE4REVIEW
"John Hinton’s subtle writing is matched by his winning and engaging interaction with the audience to create an hour of good old-fashioned fun. Witty, clever, absurd, the jokes spring out at you when you’re least expecting them. Musical comedy delights abound, including a fabulous patter song and hilarious characterisations. Darwin’s friends, family, colleagues and rebutters come to life in an unforgettable manner, all larger than life, and all created with comic genius which never fails to hit the mark. Grown-ups will love it. Kids will adore it. A gem." BROADWAY BABY
"Subtly, as Hinton entertains, he educates ... a must-see for any parents with bright children aged from around 8 upwards." BRITISH THEATRE GUIDE
"Utterly charming ... This is a structurally ambitious show packed tightly with cerebral gags and gen(i)us rhymes. Audiences who know their phenotypes from their genotypes will appreciate every in-joke, but those who don’t will still be thoroughly entertained by this glorious tribute to the man who defied the church, the scientific community and, most bravely of all, his father’s furious frown to change the way we view ourselves (and barnacles) forever." ONSTAGE SCOTLAND
"Summarizing the whole of Origin Of Species as a patter song was over-ambitious, perhaps, but the entertaining demonstrations involving members of the audience were both informative and fun. The audience interaction is very well-done; everyone gets involved." FRINGE GURU
"Hinton brings an endearing, almost boyish zeal to his portrayal of Darwin, and his impersonations of Darwin’s family and friends sparkle with spot-on timing and warmth, showing a comical and human side to the scientist’s life." FEST MAGAZINE
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ALMOST 10
Nominated for Best Solo Performance at the Edinburgh Fringe 2009 at The Stage Awards
“Smooth as silk theatre ... perfectly pitched" THE STAGE - MUST SEE!
"Originally written in French, Daniel Goldman has translated and adapted the script to an English setting with such accomplishment that it is a shock to discover its origins."
"Caroline Horton's impressive performance is riveting throughout, and masterfully captures the mannerisms of a little girl who is at once wide-eyed and knowing, deeply sensitive and breathtakingly callous. This exploration of the less innocent side of childhood deserves high praise." THREE WEEKS
"A charming and witty one-woman show with a bitter sting in its tail ... this is a stunning script, and a stunning performance from Horton. It's a beautifully comic yet moving show, with a subtly touching message." FRINGE GURU
"The publicity has this as “a darkly comic monologue” and that's a totally accurate description ... Small space. minimal set, one person, superb acting, gripping theatre, pure Fringe." ONSTAGESCOTLAND
"In her entertaining one-woman play, Caroline Horton navigates the daily delights and frustrations of childhood ... Hers is an absorbing, nuanced portrait of one impatient to be grown." THE LIST
THE LIST’s Top 50 shows To see at the Fringe.
THREE WEEKS: Top 3 One Person Shows
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ART HOUSE
"In this world premiere from Rachael Coopes, Daniel Goldman's superb direction reveals a taut piece of drama that is utterly captivating to watch ... With brilliantly detailed acting from the two actresses ... This is a true masterclass in creating a superb Fringe production; and one that wouldn't look out of place in a London venue" BROADWAY BABY
"A perceptive piece of theatre with two outstanding actors." UK THEATRE
"A fascinating portrayal of mental illness, manipulation and desire." SCOTSGAY
"Direction by Daniel Goldman is spot on throughout" ONE4REVIEW
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