There has been no moment at the Fringe that I wanted my girlfriends with me more than Grace Campbell’s show. Instead I sit alone, as sober as a responsible reviewer should be, to assess a show that’s a rowdy good time. So if you’re fortunate enough to gather the troops and get a little bit tipsy only 30 minutes after it’s bare-minimum acceptable to, I envy you. And yes, you should probably make your way to this late afternoon, early evening, just after 5 o’clock extravaganza.
While the girl’s night sentiments may shy away, boyfriends, husbands, brothers and men of all sorts. But the show is actually all about you guys! Grace brings us through the milieus of hilarious encounters with men of all sorts. Yes it’s graphic, it’s a little (extremely) raunchy. But it’s not for everyone. It certainly isn’t for the Andrew Tate fans who harass Campbell on the daily.
While it may be a show all about Campbell, the unfiltered honesty of a singular perspective evokes a universality that is easily latched onto. The content is not groundbreakingly original, but that’s because it’s about the stuff that women of this day and age encounter all day everyday. It just so happens Campbell is the one with gravitas to hold men accountable for their actions (including but not limited to the state of unhealthily grim sexual byproduct). We’re all thinking the things she proclaims into a mike. So instead of them being discussed behind closed doors to discrete ears over some wine, it’s shouted from the rooftops from a woman dressed in pink silk and feathers.
With an exaggerated pout and biting commentary on nonsensical behaviour, Campbell hilariously (and quite mercifully considering the deeds done) patronised the men of her past. There was indeed a casualty in the audience as well, but it was just too funny to feel sorry for the poor guy. It’s counterbalanced and completely warranted with the way Cambpell takes the piss out of herself all the same.
Again it’s not for everyone. But for the people that the show aims to reach, it’s acknowledging and making light of all the nasty symptoms of a world stinking with misogyny. To talk openly is to liberate what women want, need and love. Campbell does her part to de-stigmatise female sexuality. Her part being a hysterically hilarious, larger than life woman who doesn’t take herself too seriously. A woman we can all learn something from— women and silly men alike.
Grace Campbell: A Show About More Me(n)
17:30 @ Gilded Balloon Teviot – Debating Hall
Aug 13-17
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/grace-campbell-a-show-about-more-me-n
