To be honest, it does not take a lot to confuse me on a Friday evening, after a long week of work with a tired body and brain, but I was more than a bit puzzled when I turned up at the Caroline of Brunswick last week to see Funny Women Awards 2006 winner Suzy Bennett and her comedy sketch partner Sajeela Kershi in their show Funny Fillies for the Brighton Fringe – and only Bennett was there. It transpired that Kershi was ill, so, Bennett picked up the reigns (oops. sorry) and did her solo show instead, which shows the kind of get-on-with-it character that Bennett has.
The 'Dancing on Thin Ice' show has had a few outings before, notably in Edinburgh last year, but having not seen it there, it was lovely to get an insight into the personal obsession of Bennett – Torvill and Dean and the 'Dancing on Ice' television show.
From the outset, Bennett was chatty and welcoming to everyone in the intimate venue and did not flinch when three older gentlemen decided to turn up late then take forever deciding who was going to sit where. Even though I was at the other end of the room I can tell you confidently that Jeff decided, eventually, to sit on the end seat. Completely unflapped, Bennett recapped the joke that they had interrupted and we all had a second chuckle with them all. This was just the start of the lovely impromptu interactions with the audience which showed Bennett’s quick wit and warm character.
Throughout the show we were treated to personal artefacts from Bennett’s past, including her Butlin’s red coat and various pieces of Torvill and Dean merchandise and photos of personal encounters, which tied the whole hour together wonderfully.
The show was initially conceived when the 'Dancing on Ice' programme was still running, but even still, the cancelling of the show provided Bennett with an opportunity to reflect on the fact that she would never actually get the chance to do the fabled Bolero.
A great show that was personal, revealing and had a high energy finish too. Very much like the Bolero in fact.
Claire Potter – follow Claire on Twitter @clairepotter