The bald prima donna

Among Ionesco's more accessible (and easily staged) works, the success of The bald prima donna depends very much on the actors' ability to deadpan the most illogical while reacting to the conventional with a sense of amazement. Presented as linguistic pantomime, Scene 24's production fizzes with energy, the young cast delighting in sending up theatrical and social conventions.

It is difficult to single out any one of the cast, but an exception must be made for Cassandra Harwood's Mrs Smith, turning from irritated housewife (with her husband) to ardent breathlessness (with the fire captain) with tremendous timing. Special mention should also be made of the set - all sharp angles in a vivid shade of green - which added considerably to the pleasingly off-kilter nature of the production.

The bald prima donna is on at 4:55pm at the Roman Eagle Lodge (2 Johnston Terrace) every day until Sunday 27th August, with the exception of Tuesday 15th. Phone the Festival Fringe box office (0131 226 0000) for details.

(4th August 2006)

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