Martha McBrier

Source: The List (Issue 582)
Date: 9 August 2007
Written by: Marissa Burgess

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An interactive work-out

There’s no other way to approach the star rating on a show like Martha McBrier’s but to give it three. Not because it’s an averagely good show but because it’s a definite love her or loathe her scenario. Which is a shame as McBrier doesn’t like the non-committal approach of the three-star review. Her show is interactive in more ways than one. At the outset she explains she’s not one of those people that comes to the Festival with a prepared show but would rather workshop and deconstruct it with us, the crowd giving the gags the thumbs up or thumbs down.

She also likes nothing better than to chat to her gathering individually. So interested in the audience is she, she spends the whole show prowling the aisle rather than being on the stage. It can be a scary experience particularly when faced with a presence as formidable as McBrier. The last ten minutes are devoted to her thoughts about the benign, but potentially damaging brain tumour she was diagnosed with just before the Festival began and deals with it through a confessional sense of humour.

Baby Belly, 0870 745 3083, until 26 Aug (not 14), 10.45pm, £8.50–£9.50 (£7.50–£8.50).

More: Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Fringe (Edinburgh Festivals), Reviews (Comedy), Stand-up (Comedy)

Last updated: 25 Jul 2008 17:14 BST