Edinburgh Fringe Reviews #1: ‘Nancy: On Drag’, ‘Boys In the Buff’ and ‘Poof!’
by Brian Merriman

Where Brian Merriman tells us about the best of the events he has seen at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Nancy: On Drag
Blundagardens and Magical SpiegelYurt – 22.40pm
Duration: 1 hour –  Check out http://www.nancylund.net

‘Nancy: On Drag’ is not a drag show. Nancy, like her solo show, is much more than that. To begin, it is staged in a yurt…so we knew it was going to be different! The show’s concept began as a lecture on the history of drag, but quickly morphed into an autobiographical story that zips through stereotypes, history and gender conformity with an intelligence much needed in today’s toxic binary ‘wars’.

Nancy is a statuesque trans performer who appears without her make-up, to reveal to us, Nancy’s story. Born ‘Tom’ in Burnley, Nancy takes us through a childhood there and the self-realisation of adolescence when ‘Tom’ and the emerging Nancy, did not sit well with each other.

Nancy is no single label but embraces many and all. Nancy is opinionated and an advocate for self-realisation, unrestricted by gender conformity. You may agree or not, but the narrative is well thought out, intelligent and compelling, as we get to know the Nancy that was and has now become.

Having fled Burnley to Berlin, the script is peppered with ‘I Am A Camera’ nostalgia, a sharp look at gender history, Himmler, and the strong view that the consent of this generation is necessary for much of what the world takes for granted today.

We are treated to burlesque, striptease, comedy, drag and truth in equal measure. Nancy has an easy way with an audience. It is almost casual, but do not just be beguiled by the charm of the strong stage presence. Nancy has a story to tell, it is well-structured, strongly delivered and thought-provoking. Nancy may not just be ‘On Drag’ but Nancy is most definitely on top form! This is a story that has emerged from her burlesque works in Berlin that is wonderfully anarchic. It’s what challenging modern ‘drag’ should be, and what is needed to understand the complexities of identity and self-expression today.

Nancy’s bio proclaims, a self-confessed ‘mad tranny’: ‘With my performances, I want to experience the full scope of my being and embrace the entirety of my non-binary self. The future is non-binary, after all”. Nancy makes a compelling and entertaining case with a fine theatre line, that pushes the boundaries of a more traditional ‘scope of being’ with music, drama, comedy and pathos added to fine effect.

Boys In The Buff

Lambco Productions UK
C Arts, 2 Brodies Close, Edinburgh. -7.15pm
Duration: 60 minutes

Chris Burgess takes only a nod to the hit revue, ‘Naked Boys Singing’, but clearly makes this musical revue his own. His scintillating score lights up the stage with song after original song (additional songs by Cathy Shostak) in an hour-long burlesque whirlwind revue of showbiz arrangements, brilliantly sung and excellently staged by director/choreographer Robbie O’Reilly,

There is a plot to this revue. Diana (Lauren Wood) our MC packs a punch vocally with some slick song and dance routines with the boys, peppered with powerful torch songs. But it is her ‘boys’ Owen Dennis, Andrew Ewart, David Heal and Sam Walter’s singing, dancing, and stripping at a pace, that would make ‘The Full Monty’ blush breathlessly.

Though we are teased and titillated until the no holds barred naked finale, it is the story of the four lads and the strong theme of body shaming, that leaves you singing and dancing at the end. You meet the shy guy, the skinny one, the fat one and the exhibitionist – all who get an equal chance to reveal the impact of always thinking their body shape is inadequate, through adolescence and young adulthood.

These are meaningful tuneful numbers that cut out four distinct characters in an examination of male body image, which is such an important story to be told on a body image led commercial ‘gay scene’.

The staging, lighting, tracks, arrangements (John Louis Robinson), colour, costumes and lack of them, all build up to a joyous celebration of what is good about being young and happy in one’s own skin, regardless of the perceived perfection of the competition around.

There’s lots of comedy, excellent vocals and authentic showbiz staging in a very tiny space. Richard Lambert is a prolific producer in the field of ‘gay theatre’. His plays deal with many real issues (‘Tickle’, ‘Twinkle’ and ‘Love Is Blue’ are also running) and yet, he still can rock the house with a celebration of the male body, female led, and energetically performed by a talented cast, who clearly are ‘very happy in their own skin’.

Poof!

Gilded Balloon Teviot Place – Time: 13.50
Duration: 60 minutes

There is an old music hall song ‘Nobody Loves a Fairy When She’s 40′! It does not apply at all to this clever, enchanting and thoroughly entertaining piece of solo theatre, deserving bigger audiences, at the Gilded Balloon.

Written and performed by Celeste Lecense, this original story, is appropriate for adults and the occasional child who tags along. Our very own fairy assures us that fairies have been around for centuries, just more hidden in the past, but you will see them if you listen first. In today’s world, their capacity for the magic of hope is needed more than ever, so visibility is now not only possible but essential according to our winged narrator.

There are autobiographical episodes about young ‘Jim’, political points on climate change and the need to be different. A constant reassurance that change is possible, if we wish it together. Most of all, we are assured of a renewed belief in fairies, at a time when adults need to believe in something real to counter current toxicity.

Kevin Hourigan’s fluid direction embraces the flawless storytelling of the charming Lecesne, who ensures every member of the audience is comfortable, charmed and capable of magic.

Poof! Is an enchanting story for the modern day, sent in modern times, that relies on our inner fairy, elf, witch or wizard to free the potential for change within us all. The episodes and transformations are well crafted and beautifully performed by a skilled artist, so at home with an audience of all ages.

This enchanting story has such an all-round appeal. It is a wonderful meeting of the child within the adult, of reality and optimistic fantasy. Poof! is full of hope, fun, singing and joy – exactly what we all need more of today. Well worth seeing.