One of the most enjoyable things about the festival is watching a good staple comic; someone who has honed their craft, knows how to play it and gives what everyone is looking for, and Wendy Wason does just that.
A great hour from a great lady, who gives us just enough.
Returning to her native home of Edinburgh, Wason brings her delightful and thought provoking new show Hotel California, a slight change in course, with a full hour story show, including the many obvious laughs, but less joke, joke, joke and more point, point, point.
Wason always delivers and I very much encourage the drift of course, attempting the new challenge and her rise to the penthouse suite. Hotel California calls on an adventure Wason’s family had in L.A where due to unfortunate circumstances her husband took seriously ill and the minefield of the American healthcare system, including the outrageous, phenomenal expense. Doesn’t sound quite so funny does it, but everything that Wason regales is hilariously funny. The comparisons, differences and outright, blatant, shocking facts she draws upon in her … ‘It’s funny because it’s true’ manner, makes her journey a surprising, outright laugh riot.
As a well skilled comic, and actress I might add, Wason’s style is easy, affectionate and dare I say slightly motherly. I’m not complaining, it’s endearing and a refreshing change, I was flabbergasted by her kind reaction to the annoying, yet inevitable patrons mobile ringing, I would of ‘Luponed’ my way through it, but mother of three Wason was extremely forgiving, kudos!
Although it’s very hard to pick fault, it felt that Wason was held back, playing it safe ever so slightly, this may be due to performing more of a new brand story show than a typical stand-up routine and Wason needs to feel a little more comfortable, I’m not going to hold that against her.
It’s clear that Wason has a strong passion for her story, making the point clear, that the UK is heading in a similar, disastrous direction, with our own precious NHS falling down around our ears, but she strongly reminders us all, it’s never too late and to pull our fingers out to do something about it.
A great hour from a great lady, who gives us just enough. Check in for a perfect service at The Wason Inn. Much more welcoming and comfortable than the Hotel California and surprisingly more affordable! Ding Ding! Room Service!
