If you want to see a female act rock at the Edinburgh Fringe, you need go no further than to see the wondrous Janey Godley. Put her on your ‘must see’ list. Janey IS the spirit of the Fest and the anointed Godmother of Scottish comedy.
Back in the early days of Funny Women coming up to the Fringe I was both terrified and in awe of Janey’s ferocious wit and pin sharp observations. Nothing escapes her beady-eyed attention and seeing her squeeze every last person who had been queueing to see her show that day (it’s part of the Free Festival) into a packed venue, is all part of the floor show before she even takes the stage. She’ll make you go to the toilet before she starts the show and if you decide to heckle, you will lose.
If you are offended by swearing, outspoken ranting about politics and talk of bodily functions then don’t go to Janey’s show. It is through her that I was acclimatised to the use of the c-word which in Janey’s hands is used in equal measure as both a Glaswegian term of endearment and a curse. 15 years on and the c-word is commonly used in comedy clubs, podcasts or YouTube clips, apart from before the 9.00pm live broadcast watershed.
Janey is great at taking popular culture and seeing the madness and humour of it all. In part of the show called ‘voice overs’ she overdubs conversations to films and newsclips on a random loop with her own interpretation. We all like that ‘what are they really saying to each other’ view of life and Janey’s perceived banter between members of the royal family, politicians, celebrities and more, make for a fun interactive show.
Janey is generous to a fault, always supportive of other acts and is the Fringe’s resident wise woman. Venture forth and enjoy the ride otherwise you’ve not experienced the festival at its Scottish best.
★★★★★
Janey Godley: Godley on the Fringe is at Laughing horse @ The Counting House at 20:00 until 25thAugust. For tickets and more information click here!
