Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical
Josie Long: Romance and Adventure

Josie Long’s latest solo show at this year’s Fringe is optimistically titled Romance and Adventure. When Long tells you that she named it that for no other reason than ‘because it sounds cool’ you quickly get an idea of her style. A politically-minded, mischievous pseudo-teen with a penchant for funny voices, tangential character work and impulsive mayhem, she clearly loves every minute of it.

The inspiration for her set isn’t particularly revolutionary. Her material centres on the stand-up mainstays of politics, growing older and unstable relationships. Nevertheless, the quality of her jokes shines through and the content feels fresh and anarchic thanks to Long’s quirky style of delivery. Despite having just entered her 30s, Long still has the air of a stroppy, disenfranchised teen. Her anger and disappointment at the current state of the nation does not manifest itself through too much moaning or cynicism but adopts Long’s childish but informed style of delivery. Yes, she may be doing silly voices and pulling faces but her grasp of British politics is clear and her arguments rarely feel unjustified.

The best moments of the show come when Long lets her set run away into madcap comedy. In particular her predictions of Ed Milliband revealing his true self if and when he is elected as Prime Minister provide some of the biggest laughs of the whole show. There is a restrained chaos to Long’s work and even though the stage of Pleasance One is vast Long’s enthusiasm dominates the entire space.

Long is a great comedian to watch; she is engaging and entertaining and has the demeanour of an indie-film heroine - supremely quirky and weird but you can’t help wanting to be her best friend. Romance and Adventure may not be the most inspired of sets but it is definitely worth seeing.

Reviews by Stephanie Bartlett

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this review has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now

The Blurb

This is my sixth show. Just writing the title is making me excited. Come, it’ll be silly, fun and I'll try to swear less this time. Twice Fosters Comedy Award nominee. Best Newcomer Award winner.
Buy cheap tickets for Wicked
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda the Musical

Most Popular See More

Buy cheap tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Back To The Future
Back To The Future

From £24.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Cabaret
Cabaret

From £37.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for MJ The Musical
MJ The Musical

From £31.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Magic Mike Live
Magic Mike Live

From £48.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

From £13.00

More Info

Find Tickets

Buy cheap tickets for Into The Woods
Buy cheap tickets for Barmy Britain
Buy cheap tickets for Christmas Carol Goes Wrong
Buy cheap tickets for Evita
Buy cheap tickets for Sabrage
Buy cheap tickets for Matilda
Buy cheap tickets for The Producers
Buy cheap tickets for Starlight Express
Buy cheap tickets for Born With Teeth
Buy cheap tickets for Wicked