Witt 'n Camp @ Assembly George Square

Swag straddles sketch, characters and sometimes the audience

Review by Polly Glynn | 22 Aug 2018

Witt 'n Camp have created an unboxable hour of cabaret-comedy. It’s not quite as clever as its straight comedy peers, but it’s funnier than most displays of burlesque.

From the off, it’s clear the pair are professionally trained with their down and dirty opening number, even if they are outshone by the girl in the front row who can’t keep time on the triangle. Swag features several recurring characters, including operatic rappers and Irish chickens. These can occasionally feel like one-trick ponies; particularly the aria orators, where the joke is simply their vocal prowess. But the clownish cigarette police and unusual striptease are much more interesting to watch and their more physical nature provides the most laughs. It is also one of the few hours this Fringe where everything is a part of the performance: from the costume changes to the commanding clicks to cue lights.

It doesn’t quite feel like they've found the right measures. A pinch more punchlines here and there with a few extra original songs added to the mix would elevate the hour greatly, and better demonstrate Charlie Howitt and Holly Campbell's obvious talent.


Witt 'n Camp: Swag, Assembly George Square (Studio Five), 1-26 Aug (not 13), 8pm, £10-11

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