Edinburgh Fringe 2010

Jeremy Lion Goes Green

Phil McIntyre Entertainments by Arrangement With Cheryl Hayes Management

Genre: Children's Theatre

Venue: Pleasance Dome

Festival: Edinburgh Fringe

Low Down

Review

With ‘Jeremy Lion Goes Green’ The Fringe guide promises: ‘The UK’s most extraordinary children’s entertainer’, and Mr Lion certainly does not disappoint.  Forget the UK, Jeremy (aka. Justin Edwards) has to be the world’s most unsuitable children’s entertainer, and consequently presents the best character comedy show I have ever seen.

This year Jeremy has come to teach us all about the danger of global warming – and he’s not alone.  Joining him on stage is his wonderful pianist Hilary (played by the commendable Gus Brown), a time-travelling garden shed, and a pint… or ten.   It’s the last of these that holds the key to the show’s ‘Fun for all the Family – definitely not suitable for children’ theme, as the alcohol fueled Jeremy leads the audience on a global adventure.  But as sure as Jeremy is not a conventional children’s entertainer, he is also not what you’d expect from an eco-warrior.  He is a bumbling, silly, and wonderfully well observed character, with all the responsibility of a goldfish – and enough alcohol for him to swim like one.

The result?  A show so hilarious, it robs you of breath.  The songs exhibit both high-class wit, and joyous childishness; the script and tone are perfect; and yet oddly, it is also at times a really touching story.   

Let me assure you: this show isn’t just ‘laugh-out-loud’ funny, it’s ‘laugh-out-loud-all-the-way-home’ funny.  Perfect comedy genius – but then what else would you expect from a man who has sold out the last 3 years of his run at the Edinburgh Festival and picked up 2 Chortle Character Act Awards, and a prestigious Perrier nomination along the way?

This show is a comedy marvel, and it is my great pleasure to recommend it to everyone – except perhaps, the children.

Published August 7, 2010 by Rebecca Tay