This show was almost indeed a complete failure; not in its content, but in its lack of an audience. But with true Fringe tenacity, Tanya Edwards energetically went on with the show despite the inevitable awkwardness of a tiny audience. In response to a heckler commenting on the fact that she laughs at her own jokes, Tanya brilliantly performed with hilarious lifelessness, and the audience was won over. Holding a potential disaster together with her warm charm and speedily improvised audience engagement, overall she proved that her show is lively, surprising and very funny. What a pity few people seem to have heard about this genuinely talented, lovely comedian. Hopefully she can rise again, like the Phoenix, next Fringe.

Just The Tonic at The Caves, 4 – 28 Aug (not 17), 6.40pm (7.40pm), £6.00 – £9.00, fpp134.
tw rating 4/5
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