There may be surprisingly little overtly political material on the Fringe this year but scratch under the surface and comedians are positively seething at the state of society. Susan Calman’s confident, compact show, This Lady’s Not For Turning Either, is a typical example of low-key dissent, with the iPhone-sized Radio 4 favourite amiably raging at inequality before building to a moist-eyed emotional climax.
Calman tied the knot with her female partner this year and her show initially homes in on the comic potential of modern marriage. Gift lists from John Lewis, mustard spoons — who knew mustard spoons even existed? — from Sandi Toksvig. But there is a sting in the tale. Calman explains that because it was a civil partnership she was not allowed to play TheProclaimers’ Let’s Get Married at the ceremony. The Imperial March from Star Wars is fine but not something containing the M word. All she wants, she pleads, is for her union to be recognised in the same way as a heterosexual marriage.
On the way to this conclusion there are cracking stories about supporting Russell Brand, wanting to be US President and finding nirvana in a tweed shop where horsey people and lesbians studiously avoid eye contact. I don’t quite buy Calman’s portrayal of herself as a cat-serenading scatty eccentric — she was a corporate lawyer before swapping briefs for banter — but she is an undeniably persuasive performer. Another highlight is her magnificent obsession with Helen Mirren’s DCI Jane Tennison. When it comes to choosing Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees next Wednesday Calman may well be a prime suspect.
(Until August 27, 0131 226 0000, edfringe.com)
