Ukuleles & overweight nudity… September 3, 2010

… just another Saturday afternoon lucky dipping the Fringe Half Price Hut then. Whilst I appreciate the festival is over for another year (tear), I thought another couple of reviews wouldn’t hurt in case you happen across the shows next year or elsewhere.

The Ukulele Project 8.5/10 – Cowgate Udderbelly Belly Bancer

Size isn’t everything. Disregarded previously as a musical punchline (not helped by the comical strummings of George Formby), the ukulele has enjoying a recent resurgence thanks to folk rock bands like Mumford & Sons. The Ukulele Project, a trio of teenagers, apply their wee guitars to an eclectic range of hits from Dolly Parton to the Beatles. Lead male vocalist Oli Peacock is pleasingly reminiscent of Damien Rice and his acoustic covers of Radiohead’s Karma Police and Arcade Fire’s Rebellion were arguably better than the originals. The only criticism being the inclusion of a Bond medley was uncharacteristically childish but only because the maturity of performance makes you forget the age of the performers.

Naked Splendour 9/10 – C-Venues Carlton Hotel

“Contains nudity, drawing involved” warns the ticket. Audience members are handed sketch pads and pencils upon entering the worryingly intimate auditorium (drawing involved – check). Philip Herbert has dedicated his life to life modelling and through innovative participatory theatre, recounts witty and absurdist anecdotes. After the subject strips (nudity – check), an initially embarrassed audience soon settles to intense concentration as sketchers attempt to capture Herbert’s naked splendour. The show certainly answered my questions about life modelling (what happens if you fall asleep or get an erection?) and I’m now considering giving life classes a go – drawing not modelling mind.

Apparently the rendering of the model's genitals says a lot about your personality - do you go for the darkened area, acorn or exaggeration?