This 75-minute piece is a mixture of the above, but should maybe consist of one ingredient, perhaps two. Herve’s personal stories are naturally emotional, performed with a gentle beauty. His physical confidence can’t hide a vulnerability that is quite stunning – I was pleasurably transfixed by his face for the duration of the play. Plumes of melancholy are fanned away by fond recollections of Hervé’s family, and I left reflecting on my own. Some of elements of the show –  ‘Hammer Time’ and the six pack flash – are unnecessary, and it may have been misguided to include them;  it might have been essential to use his physicality to be noticed as a busker, but Herve’s tales, and his tender delivery of them, are sufficient to keep the attention here.

Underbelly Bristo Square, 1-27 Aug (not 15), 4.25pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [L Clarkson]