Aside from Camille O’Sullivan, the other star of La Clique performing at this year’s Fringe is the fabulous and vivacious Ali McGregor. Jolly and dripping with fun, McGregor is taking a break from her three other shows to bring a mix of burlesque, rock and humour to the Gilded Balloon.
Situated in the huge top floor, the venue for once is neither cramped nor reaching dangerously high heat levels. Despite the cool temperature this lovely lady will have you hot under the collar very quickly, delivering wonderful steamy cover versions of such artists as Madonna, Justin Timberlake and John Bon Jovi and mixing them with a brilliant list of famous opera songs. It’s an intriguing concept and it works brilliantly, with every song sounding as fresh and exciting as the last.
The show, despite needing some polish (too many lighting troubles and microphones forgotten to be switched on combined with dozens of props litters about the floor), is a delight to watch. The audience are constantly kept amused with Ali’s voice and re-imagining lyrics, delving into such delights as why a man who is good at cunnilingus will always be a better lover, how to excuse yourself when the audience aren’t laughing with you (just pretend your German) and just how loud a woman who is gifted with opera vocals can get when simulating an orgasm! Great songs, costumes and sketches, all have the audience howling with delight. Be prepared for an evening both fantastic and rude. Fantastically rude.
4/5
Martin Miller
