Miriam Margolyes returns to this year’s Fringe, with More Best Bits, as a follow up to her 2024 show The Best Bits.
Margolyes opens her show with a decent attempt at a Scottish accent, playing homage to her father’s heritage. She starts with a story about her introduction to theatre and how she believes this is similar to Charles Dickens’ experience.
There are many ways in which Margolyes and Dickens are alike according to the actress. They both have similar morals and somewhat related life stories. Throughout the show, Margolyes shows her undeniable range as she plays different characters from a series of Dickens’ works.
Margolyes can imagine up a scene immediately, she handles each character with care and love, reminding the audience which are her favourites. Margolyes is of course an unbelievable actress, and it is an honour to see her methods live.
The actress surprises us with her vocal range, as she hilariously reminds us of which adverts she voiced at the start of her career. For example, the Cadbury caramel rabbit, and as she tells us “sex sells”.
Margolyes tells us remarkable stories about her life as an actress such as her big break in Dickens’ Little Dorrit and memories with friend Maggie Smith.
The latter half of More Best Bits is a live Q&A with the performer. Nothing is off limits, which comes as no surprise as Margolyes is well known for her scandalous jokes.
Margolyes finishes her show with wise words for the audience, but in her own comical way.
Margolyes and Dickens: More Best Bits, 18:00, Pentland Theatre at Pleasance at EICC, 9th – 24th (not 18th, 21st)
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/margolyes-and-dickens-more-best-bits
