Cally Beaton works every trick in the book in her quest not to be invisible. Great posters, good presence and a topic that needs exposure. Top marks for this which plays a very major part in selling tickets at today’s Fringe.
Invisibility is the buzz word for my particular generation, a commonly used euphemism for age which is not always on the list when it comes to discrimination. I am part of that older demographic and Cally is positively youthful at only 50 years! I’ve been fighting that particular battle for over a decade and glad to have some new recruits to the cause.
As somebody who has form in respect to her professional life as a television executive, Cally knows how to market her show in the overcrowded and competitive Fringe environment. Cut through is all-important and Cally is getting the numbers and appealing to the middle-aged, middle-class audiences that have become the mainstay of the festival’s financial success.
This show is a story about how to survive relationships, bring up children, one of which has autism and a passion for Bonobo apes, and travel alone. Cally recalls a series of life events that have changed and formed her, emerging triumphant and strong despite the breakups and setbacks along the way. It is important to look past the privilege of being able to travel to Iceland for an exotic holiday and see what is really driving her.
The narrative is strong and I would like to see more of this and less of the banter with the audience – who are of less interest to me than what she has to say. It’s a mild gripe as the show is a pleasing and engaging body of work that I believe will develop and grow.
★★★★
Cally Beaton: Invisible is at Assembly George Square Studios at 17:10 until 26th August. For tickets and more information click here!
Funny Women are at the Edinburgh Fringe with five shows, from 19th – 23rd August, a Funny Women Awards 2019 semi-final, a Stand Up to Stand Out workshop and a Meet Up. Come find us!
There’s still time to nominate a women-led show for the 2019 Funny Women Awards’ Best Show Category! The show with the most nominations will be picked! Nominate a show you have seen or your own show by 31st August here!
