One third of the sketch comedy trio The Boom Jennies, Catriona Knox may be familiar to you through her work on BBC Radio 4 or her appearance on Lee Mack’s Not Going Out. However, in this, her third solo Fringe venture, Knox proves she is a force all of her own.
Player is a delightful hour of top-notch character comedy. It provides a lovely contrast to the endless stream of stand-ups that swarm the Fringe and offers comedy goers something a little bit different. Over the course of the show we are introduced to a variety of weird and wonderful individuals, from a pub landlady playing the sleuth to a shockingly naughty Austen-esque character. Each one played with utmost conviction and believability by the gifted Knox. It is all unashamedly, wonderfully silly and suits Knox’s friendly and impishly mischievous demeanour very well.
If there is one criticism to be made, it is that some of the sketches could do with a little trimming. On occasion they can be a touch on the long side, causing the audience energy levels – so high during the rest of the show – to drop somewhat. Luckily, these moments don’t last for long as the audience is carried through by the vitality that positively pours off Knox.
Player is a fun, silly and entertaining show and its success lies mainly in the talented actor and great ball of energy that is Catriona Knox.
