It's nice to see a show that embodies the original spirit of the Fringe – something that is the culmination of one person’s talent as a writer and a performer. With no producer or director in sight, Eleanor Appleton has pulled together a rich, dark comedy drama featuring the murderous character of Rosie Thorn.
Her most recent incarnation is Butter Would Not Melt, a theatrically presented piece which depicts a ‘series of unfortunate events’ that occur due to Mrs Rosie Thorn’s womanly rivalry. She is the Sweeney Todd of the WI, cooking up the human remains of her rivals and feeding them back into the community.
It's Midsomer Murders meets League of Gentlemen in its context. If anything it could be even darker given it’s late night slot. There are some dramatic clichés that could be even funnier if developed. As Eleanor’s run continues, no doubt this will come as she becomes more confident with the material.
Rosie gets to play with her audience too – a brave move in a set theatrical piece as this has to be done in character and improvised each night to fit in with the performance.
The staging is mature and confidently put together with some great sound design, music, set and costume. Given that Eleanor has put this all together single handed, and this is her second Fringe run as a solo performer, please go and support her. This is what the Fringe is all about.
Show details: 9:45pm, The Spaces @ Surgeons Hall, more info HERE.
Rating: 
Lynne Parker
