Flanders and Swann

An absolute joy. Without restricting themselves to the published songs of Flanders and Swann, Tim Fitzhigham and Duncan Walsh Atkins revive many old favourites, involving the audience at many a turn. Walsh Atkins is definitely in command here, bantering with the audience, ad libbing constantly, though Fitzhigham is no slouch, doing a beautiful job of recreating Swann's improvisory style at the piano. The whole enterprise is as fresh and witty as anyone could ask, whether familiar with the originals or not.

Somehow - somehow - they even get away with the Song of patriotic prejudice and its (however ironic) suggestion that the English are best which, in any other hands, would be best left well alone. Such temerity alone deserves recognition.

At the drop of a hippopotamus is on at 2:30pm at the Cabaret Bar of the Pleasance Courtyard (The Pleasance) until Monday 28th August (except Tuesday 22nd). Phone the Festival Fringe box office (0131 226 0000) for details.

Comments:
They were excellent, although I should point out that it was Tim Fitzhigham who was singing, and Duncan it was who was playing the piano forte...

DK
# posted by Blogger Devil's Kitchen : 9:19 PM
 
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