So a 10.30 pm start underneath the Assembly Rooms sees the fabulous Ali McGregor assembling a cast of regulars and some special guests to give you the entertainment. We are greeted as we enter by the MC Saxon McAlister who is so Aussie, it makes me homesick. He then does the important announcements and introduces us to the delectable Ali.
Ali gives us her first song using an Omninote (weird instrument from the 80s) and a cover of a cover (parodying Celine Dion and Anastascia destroying an ACDC classic). After we’ve recovered from that we have the first guest in Dave Thornton who chats about being in Scotland, computers and words. Very funny and if I had time I’d see his show as well. After this is Tina Del Twist dragging her heels a little. Ali comes back (well, to be honest she never left as she is reclining at the side of the stage on a tiny Chaise Longue) with a stalker song by our very own Kylie which becomes so scary I could hear people shuddering. Awesome is the only word to describe Ali’s singing, and the use of Rolf Harris’ stylophone….
The next act is rather too horrible to mention but suffice to say it is a version of ‘Private Dancer’ sung by Saxon that I want seared out of my brain! Ali then plays Creep (with a zither) and we have the next guest act in the Pyjama Men. I haven’t seen these guys before but they hype they have generated I have to say is justified from what I saw them do (and when the toned down punchline is gang rape….). Very hard getting these guys off the stage as they were having so much fun. The final act is one I remember from years ago, Paul Zenon and his comedy magic tricks.
So for over an hour of comedy music and entertainment (but no dancing girls, curses) this is one of the best value shows at the Fringe. Even if you just come to see Ali and buy her CD, or Saxon’s naughty postcards, you’ll be getting your moneys worth. Different guests every night plus discounted entry into the supper club after make this one not to miss.
Visit the Fringe website for bookings details.