For those of you mislead by the saucy poster, Nina Conti is actually a fabulous ventriloquist. We should get that out the way first and foremost, since she is worried that some of the audience may just come to see her tits.
Her first full length Fringe show is called Complete and Utter Conti, but much of the show is a take-over bid by Monkey, her fluffy but foul-mouthed puppet partner. Hence, we are given The Monkey Show: a kind of Trisha meets the X-Factor. Nina Conti proves to be amazingly versatile, playing the show guests herself, while also providing the voices of Monkey and the studio audience. An impressive trick is where she lies as though sleeping while Monkey sings opera.
There are also new characters in her repertoire: Nina’s grandparents, a dopey dog, two other monkeys and a slightly disturbing baby. Each character is so different, and Nina Conti flicks between them so effortlessly, that it is easy to forget that this is a one woman show. The banter between Nina and Monkey is superb, with her sweet, giggly persona making Monkey’s filthy humour seem even naughtier.
While the new characters are entertaining, Monkey remains the star of the show. Favourites from previous shows are included (fans will be relieved to know that Monkey still shags the pint glass) but this show also turns things around by switching the roles of Nina and Monkey (yes, she shags the pint glass too!).
The material is hilarious. Any comedy duo would be blessed to have such a strong act. The fact that this “duo” is one incredibly talented performer with her puppet makes it all the more astounding.
5/5
Anna Price
