It’s always good to find something new at the Fringe and it’s a distinct pleasure when these new experiences are as enjoyable as Rick Chester’s show.
Presented as a celebrity seminar, the whole premise of this show is that 30s acting ‘legend’ Rick Chester is going to teach the audience how to make it in the Hollywood of yesteryear. By itself this is quite a strange concept but when it is presented with the sort of panache and attention to detail that is mustered here it seems unbelievable that nobody has thought of doing this before.
While the show is impeccably acted, it could do with a few more gags to be truly classed as comedy. That said, the conceits that are worked in all raise a laugh and leave the small but appreciative audience satisfied.
It is a shame that Five Steps… has got such a late slot, as it has a wide appeal, but is probably better suited to an afternoon audience that the inevitably inebriated crowd that is more likely to inhabit a midnight showing. However, Five Steps To Stardom is definitely worth staying up late for, so do the sensible thing and take the first step towards the box office.
4/5
Richard Biggs
