Camden Fringe: Oddball, Upstairs at the Gatehouse - ★★★ - Until August 24, 2019


Francesca Forristal's reflections on her struggles with dating and anorexia are both smart and funny. She brings to these subjects both insight and laughter wrapped in a rapid fire delivery and a manic energy that invokes Robin Williams. The downside of her performance is that the very speed of that delivery combined with the complexity of her premises can leave the audience behind, turning what should be an intriguing and dramatic story into a series of one-liners. For us there were too many frames to her work; the use of show tunes, the conceit of the camera filming and the constant breaking of the fourth wall all distracted from the direct telling of a fascinating narrative. More emphasis on the transitions between scenes and characters would also have made for a more coherent piece which allowed the audience to engage with this wonderful raconteur and her comic rendition of a complex story. This is a gifted performer with many talents. We look forward to seeing her use them in other vehicles.

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until August 24 at 7 pm
Upstairs at the Gatehouse
Nearest tube: Highgate Station
https://www.camdenfringe.com/show.php?acts_id=2666
Map & Location: 1 North Rd, Highgate, London N6 4BD, UK

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