The Groggy Squirrel

Well, they were definitely crazy and Japanese, they sat down for most of the segments in the show and the audience were laughing for much of the hour.

The show starts with Showko explaining to the audience the ancient Japanese art of sit-down theatre, or Rakugo. It is over 400 years old and some of the expressions need to be explained to the uninitiated before the act commences. Showko then proceeds to tell us a story about a ‘Mamma’s boy’ who needs a new job and ends up in a tiger costume (very old joke). The story was well told and there were a few very funny moments. Next we had the geisha comedy duo who started by singing a song introducing themselves and about how one is a single mother and the other is a gay boy. They end up with a very badly acted sword vs umbrella fight before attacking each others kimono.

Next on the bill is the final act, Kakushow, who starts with some amazing paper cutting action (sit in the front row if you want a present from this) before telling the tale of a man and his ninja (who looked a lot like Kenny from South Park to me). Very funny and some really cool props.

So not only do you get a comedy show that’s perfect to bring the kids to but you get a little taste of Japanese culture and you get to see what has to be the cutest stage hand in the festival (she can’t be more than 6 years old! So much for the abolition of child labour).

Visit the Fringe Website for booking details.