Hello, Holly!
Note: This review is from 2007
Review by Steve Bennett
The funniest part of this wonderfully-written one-woman sketch show is Holly Burn’s caricature of herself, possibly because it is rooted in some truth.This character is so self deluded she believes her theatre exercises are enough to move the audience to tears simply from her waving a few ribbons around or writhing on the floor with a ball while she ‘workshops next year’s show’. It reveals the self-obsessed snobbishness common to many drama school students.
The show features many clever literary, film and television references, giving you plenty of opportunities to pat yourself on the back if you spot the most obscure. But most sketches on many levels, so if you miss the references, you won’t miss the humour.
One exception is the Helen of Troy scene, which proves difficult to follow without a working knowledge of the classics. If you don’t know who Agamemnon and Cassandra are, it’ll be a struggle.
A highlight is the hapless and ultimately sinister Kirsty, which gives Burn the opportunity to let loose and improvise gags around the audience. It is a shame the rest of the show is so scripted, as this is when she really shines.
But most of the flaws in the show are insignificant. Burn is a talented young actress who has created a wonderfully varied collection of sketches and characters which had me giggling to myself throughout.
Reviewed by: Rosie Carnahan
Review date: 1 Jan 2007
Reviewed by: Steve Bennett
