*****

Alistair McGowan is well known for his many TV shows and multiple persona. At this years Fringe he is performing in two shows his own 'Alistair McGowan The One and Many' and Alistair McGowan and Charlotte Page in 'Cocktails With Coward'. The ticket allocation was therefore simple Geoff gets to see his stand-up, I get to see Coward.

Throughout most of the show McGowan and Page play everything straight, except Cowards interpretation of comedy. The musical numbers are performed with the assistance of Tom Scott on the grand piano. Strangely enough the show started with McGowan performing 'Don't put your daughter on the stage Mrs Worthington' ably assisted by a selection of judges from reality TV talent shows.  The rest of the production was devoted to Coward with one short visitation from Prime Minister Brown towards the end.

This superb show is cleverly directed, beautifully performed and a pleasure to watch.

Alistair McGowan and Charlotte Page: Cocktails With Coward

Company: - Off The Kerb Productions

Venue: - Assembly Edinburgh Suite V 3

Dates: - 6 to 31 August 2009 (not 17)

Times: - 16.40 to 17.40

Fringe Programme Page: - p22