Edinburgh Festival Review: Bridget Christie/A Ant

August 11, 2010 @ 10:07 pm - Big On Glasgow

There’s the feeling that a lot of the audience don’t know quite what to expect from Bridget Christie. The backdrop doesn’t provide any clues, with a simple black curtain, microphone and spotlight creating a very intimate feel. So when a large ant takes to the stage it’s somewhat unexpected, despite the show’s title. With previous appearances as King Charles II and the Great Plague virus, it’s obvious that Christie’s penchant for dressing up has once again come into play. With a serious chip on its shoulder and some f-ant-astically bad insect jokes, A Ant poses the question: are ants funny? The answer, in this case at least, is a resounding yes.

Christie appears to feed off the reactions of her audience. It’s an awkward sort of humour, with participation playing a sizeable role, so perhaps not the show to see if you like to sit back and be entertained. The onstage metamorphosis into the woman Christie was enjoyable. It’s easy to see that she is doing what she loves, revelling in the reveal.

From cat litter, through murder to politics, there are some truly inspired moments in the hour. With a few rude jokes thrown in for good measure, the whole show was thoroughly enjoyable. Christie has a talent for both characterisation and writing, painting a picture of her life that is as involving as it is bizarre. Taking experiences that many people can relate to and responding in a way that most wouldn’t dream of, Christie simultaneously thrills and embarrasses her audience.

Christie’s Funny Women Best Show Fringe Award in 2007 is testament to her talent as a comedian. With personality and material like this, there’ll be many more awards in this woman/ant’s future.

Alison MacGillivray