| Small Talk The show is actually in two parts, each about 50 minutes long. The headlined act, Guy Browning's 'Small Talk' actually comes on in the second half. Readers who are familiar with his column in the Guardian will feel at home as the show has the style and feel of a collection of 'How To's. Browning takes us through how to: appear popular at parties, start a conversation, meet your dream partner, write a personal ad, go on a date, attract the opposite sex (with advice for first the men - including the different implications of a box of chocolates and 2kg bar of chocolate –, and then for the women) as well as how to kiss and make love. With his usual wit and observational detail, he had the audience roaring with laughter. The charm of the show lies in Browning's ability to make the audience feel at ease, as though most of the time he is talking directly to you, personally. There is some audience participation required (so be warned, if you're sitting at the front), especially with the sound effects. I was particularly tickled by the Zulu army sound effect, whilst Other Half was still chuckling at the idea of 'pig in a wheelbarrow' as a sexual position on the way home. The first act is 'Being Nice’ – a ramble (with side tracks and cul de sacs) round the world according to Phil Nice and his treatise on Nice-ness where he divides people into Alpha and beta males. This classification system is strangely compelling and I found myself labelling acquaintances as alpha and beta in my head. The act has a strong opening and the material is good, but it falls victim to its own message of being moderate and loses some of its momentum partway through. It is quite likely that Nice's nerves (first night and all that) are affecting his delivery as when he slips into character playing the Alpha male yob Dom, or his more delicate wife Marie, the faltering disappears and the pace picks up noticeably. The two characters are well realised, right down to the voices, postures and gestures. I suspect this act will improve a lot as the week goes on and Nice gets into his stride. The intimacy of the OFS theatre is used to good effect and both acts are very funny and complement each other well. It's a great way to spend a summer evening. [ A note about the weather: The OFS theatre does not have air conditioning and gets very hot and sticky with that many people packed into it. You may wish to take some water, and something to fan yourself with. ] Jeev Mantotta |