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FringeGuru

 
Unhappy Birthday
Published on Friday, 03 August 2012
0

preview

Assembly George Square (venue website)
Theatre
2-11, 14-19, 21-26 Aug, 6:40pm-7:40pm

 Recommended for age 18+ only. Venue may not permit under-18's - check with venue before booking.

Sadly for preview writers, Unhappy Birthday is one of those shows that it is better to wander into blind, not knowing what to expect. And that makes it an ideal Edinburgh show – because the best experiences will probably be had by people who pop in out of curiosity, and find themselves in the midst of something unforgettable.

We say the “best” experience, that might not be strictly accurate. This show is not called UN-happy Birthday for nothing. This show is a prickly and perverse pleasure, reveling in how uncomfortable it makes the audience feel and gleefully squashing any chance for merriment.

It’s a clever and intense experience, held together by a soaring performance from Amy Lame as the show’s savage heart. She fills the space with a billowing charisma and it is impossible to look away. This show is full of innovation and fantastically fearless… a magnificent combination of squirming discomfort and pure life-affirming joy.

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FROM OUR ARCHIVES

These are archived reviews of shows from Edinburgh 2012.  We keep our archives online as a courtesy to performers, and for readers who'd like to research previous years' reviews.

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