Review: SIMON DAVID: VIRGIN, Hen and Chickens Theatre

Simon David: Virgin is a show of the kookier Camden fringe ilk: a rather fabulous combination of original pop songs, occasional accordion-playing, stunning sax solos and gently offensive heckling of the audience. It might seem like a fairly standard fringe formula, but for Simon's prodigious vocal and musical skill, and a really wonderful premise.

Simon still has possession of his virginity, of which he'd quite like to be rid; however, he does not yet have the record deal that will ultimately make him a pop star. One problem might help with the other, though - his virginity becomes his unique selling point (which will hopefully earn him a contract with, ideally, Virgin Records), and naturally such a record deal will take care of his sex life.

And so, he's put on a show and warns us to tell all our friends to come soon, as the majority of the run will surely be cancelled - he'll have his recording contract and will probably have been whisked off to somewhere exotic.

This is a great show. Effectively one man, though with a fantastic band, Simon knows how to play with his audience and keep them on side as he tells of his musical ambitions and talks us through his various romances. As he jokingly admits, his songs - all original - are often bitter, with biting and witty lyrics; he uses unusually well-measured and precise vocals throughout. Musically, he really knows what he's doing.

As the show progresses, though, his work becomes ever more endearing: from his wonderful, terrible impression of his teenage girlfriend (complete with wig; one rather hopes she's coming down from Newcastle to see the show) to his insistence that the audience join him in singing: "I am more than just a body, I am more than just a hole, I am more than just a twink, I've got f***ing soul!"

Not exactly Shakespeare, but performed with a knowing verve that makes him far surpass the skills of most contemporary artists. By the time he's finished, he's played the ridiculous, leotard-clad comedian; blasted out sax and clarinet solos; and demonstrated great capacity for everyday romance in his accordion-accompanied song "With Me". His penultimate song, "This One's For Me", somehow avoids cliché, and his sincere delivery results in some genuinely moving moments amid the comedic chaos he'd earlier conjured.

If anyone is sorry not to be at the Edinburgh Fringe, this is the way to ease your sorrows. Entertaining, brief and far better value for money than the West End, this is a lovely taste of fringe theatre.

Simon David: Virgin is at the Hen and Chickens Theatre at 10:30pm on the 14 August and 18-21 August 2016, running time approximately 60 minutes. It utilises strong language throughout and has content of an ironically sexual nature.

Watch a trailer and behind-the-scenes peek at the show below

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