Quirkily surprising newcomer Heidi O’Loughlin bravely debuts at the Fringe with her show A Woman Talking in a venue and time slot that belies her experience. With patrons that include Josie Long and less than a year of live gigging in the UK under her belt this is a brave venture and lesser mortals would surely buckle under the pressure of trying to fill 60 or so seats every night.
Heidi came to the UK 14 months ago from her native New Zealand to study film at London Metropolitan University. References to her academic pursuits are subtle and funny and are positioned neatly alongside her personal story combining tales of Tahitian descent with discovering some distant British relatives. It is a heady cultural mix and Heidi makes the most of this in terms of humour.
Some of the biggest laughs are reserved for an intermittent sound track of Christmas carols recorded and given to her by one of her film study classmates in a secret Santa gift exchange (you had to be there but was worth a mention). There are treats around every corner in Heidi’s show and there is clearly more, much more in store from this fine young comic.
★★★★
Heidi O’Loughlin is at the Underbelly Cowgate until 30th August, 7.40pm. For more information click here!
