First things first, this is hands down the best show title of the Fringe. In just two words Celya AB manages to evoke her dry, yet whimsical humour and her ability to see things that have been sitting right in front of us this whole time, yet not noticed.
There isn’t, strictly speaking, a narrative to Second Rodeo. Via one-liners and a hilarious mime that is painfully accurate, we are given glimpses into both Celya’s past and present. She shares how being bilingual and moving to the UK has split her life into a French-speaking past and an English-speaking present, causing an unexpected disconnect between her childhood and adulthood.
It could just be the French accent, but in spite of her sometimes quite goofy jokes Celya is a high-status performer, to the point that you get the impression the audience is oddly anxious to impress her – particularly when a joke relying on knowledge of the French for ‘tu’ and ‘vous’ is required to get the punchline.
This status and hold over the audience allows Celya to go at a relaxed pace unfamiliar at the Fringe, she takes her time and won’t be rushed and this is how her lines are best served. This makes for a refreshing and delightful show, a must-see.
★★★★
Celya AB: Second Rodeo is at Beside, Pleasance Courtyard at 19:30 until 27th August. For tickets click here!
