Michael Twist is an 87 year old charmer living all alone at Anne Diamond House. Wheelchair bound from a freak circus accident, there is something very odd about Michael. He has really long arms and really long legs. What’s even more twisted and hilarious is his little baby girl hands and how he came to own them.
Tom Cottle, writer and performer of the Edinburgh fringe acclaimed Comedy Bitch, has brought a wonderfully dark and clever piece that resembles everything a fringe show should be.
Michael Twist’s story is told through flashbacks on how he became to have the baby girl hands and how this has affected the outcome of his life today. Along the way we meet an array of brilliantly twisted folk, my favourites being Miss Sally Bean, the clog dancing landlady and of course the Spanish friend with his hysterical guitar narration.
Cottle’s writing, performance and timing is impeccable and draws you deep into his realm with ease and brings this macabre surreal tale to ridiculous life. Aided seamlessly by Marny Godden and Daniel Lees, the trio scramble from character to character with enormous comic skill.
Jonathan Broke and Tom Tuner’s direction is simple yet effective, making best of a small bag of tricks. What I wanted though was a little more oomph from the whole production. The ideas, story and character creations were wonderful but dynamically challenged. A bit more tightening of the nuts and bolts and Tom Cottle’s world would soar.
If you like Roald Dahl and are a lover of macabre, then These Twisted folk are definitely for you. I could almost imagine Tom’s creations in an adult Tim Burton stop motion spectacular. It’s funny, it’s bonkers and it’s perfect for the Fringe.