If you're known for impersonating a particular public figure, it can be difficult to shake that typecasting; a fact Nerine Skinner is all too aware of. Following on from her viral videos during the ever brief Truss years (or more accurately month), Skinner’s set unfortunately relies on the same tired jokes surrounding the former Prime Minister, but with glimpses of something better on the horizon.
tough at times, though glimpses of promise
The premise of Skinner’s set is laid bare in the title, an exorcism of the spirit of Liz Truss that has entered her body and is refusing to leave. A point made more poignant following Truss’ brief appearance at the Fringe on the 4th of August. The impersonation is solid, being Skinner's bread and butter for the past couple years, though a lot of the jokes around it are at this point overplayed. There is only so much pork markets and cheese that can carry a set.
Skinner does have some elements which are very enjoyable, her crowd work flows naturally, her storytelling abilities are fun and interesting, ranging from her struggles with Britain’s Got Talent to her bike being stolen as a child, ironically the show titled about Liz Truss does a lot better when Truss isn’t the focal point.
I want to see what Skinner can do next outside of the realm of the gimmick. She has fun characters, very confidently works with a crowd and good storytelling abilities. I just hope her next set isn’t hanging off of a dead political career and is given the room to grow into its own.
