FRINGE REVIEW: Nina Conti

Evolution

Nina Conti and her puppet monkey, known simply as Monk, have been regular visitors to the Fringe since 2002, seemingly single-handedly bringing the art of ventriloquism back to centre-stage in Edinburgh. This year their show involves a (very) loose plot where Nina attemps to find out how evolution has created Monk – a talking monkey who she believes could be ‘the missing link’. Monk is having none of it, constantly pointing out to Nina that the entire audience are well aware that he is only given life by the act of Nina putting her hand up his most delicate orifice. The language is utterly filthy with Monk, as ever, saying all the things that Nina herself can only bring herself to think.

The difficulty comes when they stray from the tried-and-tested formula of Nina acting pretty and innocent while Monk makes like a small, furry, Bernard Manning. The weakest segment is when Nina and Monk decide to go their separate ways. The plot follows their individual solo careers but falls flat and loses the audience with too much use of the dreaded powerpoint presentation and prolongued costume changes.

A guest appearance by Tom Conti, Nina’s famous actor father, soon livens things up again and, while slightly confused, it showcases all that is great about Nina’s amazing abilities as a ventriloquist. The finale is wonderful but ultimately lacks the necessary build-up to truly bring the house down. It’s an entertaining enough show but fails to reach the heights of previous years.

David Hepburn

Nina Conti will be appearing at the Pleasance Courtyard at 8.25pm until August 25