This loveable one woman character comedy following the trials and tribulations of a disillusioned ex-falconer might swoop and miss occasionally, but certainly looks hilarious as it gets up and unruffles its feathers. When Harriet plucks up the courage to leave Norfolk and a long family tradition of falconry behind, she encounters a dazzling array of personalities in her quest to reinvent herself.
A witty and engaging performer, she is the delightful auntie of character comedy.
It’s hardly a groundbreaking premise, but Bevan takes characters already well known to sketch comedy – the flaky yoga teacher, the unhinged American marriage advisor – in new and interesting directions with quirk and gusto. The plot arc of Harriet’s journey of self-discovery weaving the characters together might be more than a little bit tenuous, but we hardly mind. Her caricatures were entertaining because, while diverse and distinct, they remained recognisable exaggerations.
A witty and engaging performer, she is the delightful auntie of character comedy – I would pay to see her tipsy at formal family occasions. It is when she improvises with the audience in character that Bevan shines, which was perhaps best demonstrated when her straight-talking psychic at a hen night read my palm in a flawless Australian accent.
The show in points falls prey (falconry pun intended) to reliance upon tropes to its detriment, running with a single joke that works for the character and reiterating it for slightly too long. Similarly, the otherwise high energy and speed of the piece is occasionally hindered by lulls caused by clumsy and visible costume changes.
However, the show was nevertheless soared on the wings (sorry) of vibrant writing and unabashed delivery. Lily Bevan’s light-hearted creation is certainly worth a look if you are seeking laid-back laughs and spirited fun.
