★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
Neatly structured, well-observed and full of relatable characters who are immediately recognisable.
If you're looking for a masterclass in character comedy, then look no further than Emma Sidi's third Edinburgh Festival Fringe show, Faces of Grace.
Emma opens the hour as the brilliantly bonkers kinetic movement choreographer Cathy Burnham and along the way we meet American socialite Danielle, wannabe nurse Maybeline and the very European (where from we don't know) Britta, who's best friend is her cat and has won tickets to the Capital Summertime Ball.
If I had to pick a favourite character it would have to be Leslee. Leslee's desperate to appear on Love Island, (she really wants that water bottle), but after rejection for the second year running she randomly bumps into Billie Piper at a bus stop which of course results in hilarity. But she won't give up on her dream, she wants a place in that villa!
Emma's stunning tearful delivery transforms what could have been a very two-dimensional character into someone fully-formed who we all recognise. We all know a Leslee.
Faces of Grace is neatly structured, well-observed and full of relatable characters who are immediately recognisable. Her transitions in between scenes are beautifully choreographed with just one item added/altered making all the difference in physically building a character.
What I love about Emma is that she fully commits to each character and whilst you don't want one character to end, you can't wait to see who she'll bring out on stage next. Speaking of next, I can't wait for her next show and indeed her inevitable television commission.
Emma Sidi: Faces of Grace runs until 26th August (Not 25th) at 8:30pm at The Pleasance Courtyard (Pleasance Below). Book tickets here.
(This review was based on the performance from Sunday 19th August 2018)
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