Edinburgh Fringe 2010: Review – That Moment, Underbelly, Iron Belly

One of the best things we have discovered over the course of the past month in Edinburgh is that once you start doing reviews and interviews more shows start to send you information about their productions, shows, and events. You can not always make it to everyone so when you do make the time to go and see one of these ‘unplanned’ shows you expect great things. So when I was told about Reclaim Productions ‘That Moment’ I was expecting great things.

This one woman show is a triumph of the highest order, no one woman show is as insane, odd, and so blisteringly performed by an actress with a real gift she left me speechless.

Jenny Harrold is reprising her role (Alicia) after ‘That Moment’ enjoyed a sell out run in London and you only have to see five minutes of this hour long show to get why. Harrold gives a really passionate and funny performance that you will follow from the first word she says. Alicia is one of those many players who are waiting to get their big break, she has a bad agent and has managed to land herself a role as a dog sitter.

Jenny is manic on stage giving her character a realness you couldn’t imagine. This is a flawless performance and her delivery is so skilled and tight you wil slowly find yourself falling in love with her. As the play unfolds a multitude of characters are introduced, Simon her dogs owner and famous theatre director, Penny her agent, Ben her ‘friend with benefits’, Peter another famous director, Sophie and Steve…as well as Typhus. How Jenny brings all these to life is a stunning achievement in itself. She keeps Alicia positive throughout yet there are some moments where you really do feel for this character but the humour warms you and you remain as positive as Alicia.

Nothing can prepare you for this show. Dougie Blaxland has written a well observed play and you get the sense that any actor worth their salt seeing this would understand totally what Alicia is going through, and for him to have written such a wonderful female character is an amazing achievement. Jenny is funny and her timing perfect, there was one little slip when she went to pick up the phone and as she did it kept ringing but her look to the audience and gentle shrug of her shoulders was priceless.

‘There are over 2000 shows at the fringe and we have seen some great ones, Fitzrovia Radio Hour, Sammy J being some of our favourites, hands down ‘That Moment’ is in another stratosphere completely. Original with its concept writing and performed with such ability you will find yourself leaning forward in owe at such a gifted actress. There is just over a week to go before we say goodbye to Edinburgh Fringe for another year…don’t leave this city without seeing this show!’

Reclaim Productions have another show at the Fringe called ‘Bud Take The Wheel I Feel A Song Coming On’ at Underbelly (venue 61) at 16.35pm.