Scottish Falsetto Sock Puppet Theatre Goes to Hollywood

Review by Jess Winch | 25 Aug 2009

Only at the Fringe could you go and watch a show where two sock puppets sing and swear at each other and love every second of the experience. Superbly silly, this show takes the model of family entertainment and gives it an adult twist that has the audience laughing their little cotton socks off.
From a tartan-draped booth in the Gilded Balloon, the Sock Puppet Theatre returns after two sell-out Fringe runs with a new show spoofing the world of Hollywood. Two charismatic and opinionated sock puppets with ping-pong ball eyes swing through the western, film noire, romantic comedy and horror film genres complete with frequent costume changes, props and musical accompaniment - impressive considering this is a one-man show.

The interjections to argue with each other or enjoy some pun-filled banter are more frequent than the actual movie scenes on which the show is supposedly based, as one puppet relentlessly undermines the other’s attempts to recreate ‘serious’ cinema moments. There's some excellent audience interaction, as punters are invited to throw suggestions for the puppets to consider as part of their routine.

The pace never falters and any unintentional mistakes are effortlessly incorporated, as the show veers wildly from film genres to Michael Jackson lyrics and songs about swine flu. Some ideas and word games are overplayed, but this is all part of the simple, effervescent irreverence that makes this show so fun. Hilarious from start to finish, this is a socking brilliant show that audiences can just sit back and enjoy.