EDINBURGH 2011: BWW Reviews: THOM TUCK GOES STRAIGHT-TO-DVD, Pleasance Dome, Aug 12 2011

As a seasoned comedian and Fringe performer, Thom Tuck tackles his first solo show by watching all of the Disney straight-to-DVD movies, so you don't have to ("not suitable for stupid children").

From the show's premise you might assume that you need to be a Disney fan to appreciate the subject matter. You don't, you'll just get more out of it if you are. While the show's comedy is based around using logic and adult perspective to dissect and discuss Disney's less-thought-out movies, Tuck gives enough of an explanation of each one that those who haven't seen them (and let's face it, not many of us can say we're familiar with Cinderella III: A Twist in Time) are still able to follow along and appreciate the comedy.

Throughout the show, Tuck also includes tangents about lost loves from his own life. While these self-deprecating tangents are entertaining and well-timed in themselves, they also subtly tie back to how generations have grown up with certain expectations about love, due in large part to Disney movies, and how we deal with the reality when our Disney bubble bursts.

Tuck strikes the perfect balance between mocking Disney movies while simultaneously demonstrating an inherent love of them. A thoroughly enjoyable show for Disney novices and experts alike, and most definitely the only show at the Fringe which ends with a ukulele-led, Disney singalong.

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