ED FRINGE 2023 REVIEW | Sea Words

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reviewer - Penny

*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review

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Written and performed by Olly Gully, Sea Words introduces us to a traditional seaside mother and son variety duo, Chris and Christine, who are about to take to the stage. The only problem is that Christine has developed some sort of stage fright and is refusing to come out from behind the curtain. But, the show must go on and so Chris decides to carry on alone, hoping that the lure of the spotlight will encourage his mother to join him on stage.

The room is not the most glamourous venue you'll find at the Fringe, but it is strangely appropriate for Chris' increasingly desperate performance in the face of Christine's no show. Gully plays his character with an energy that doesn't drop, exceptional physical comedy and charming interaction with the audience. He takes on a variety of sketch characters within the show, each one distinctly individual. He is camp, flamboyant and just about managing to keep Chris' panic under control as the show begins to go awry. The production design was minimal and had excellent attention to detail, not a prop is unwasted and Gully's costume suits the oddball and manic character, it's quirky yet traditional.

Every show these days needs a sponsor. Chris and Christine have one in the form of a water purification plant that turns sea water into drinking water, managing to shine a light on the very topical issue of pollution in our seas, in a way that should feel completely out of place in the middle of this variety but actually fits perfectly, offering respite from the high energy performance but still managing to incorporate a more serious topic into the mayhem in an engaging and entertaining fashion. A lot of the show's jokes had technical support which was slick and superb.

As we reach the show's self-titled "Grand Finale", will Christine finally appear? You'll have to go and see for yourself, you will not be disappointed.

Sea Words is a tidal wave of entertainment and a little hidden gem at this year's Fringe.