EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: AMELIA RYAN: LADY LIBERTY, Assembly George Square Theatre, 12 August

A one-woman show is hard to do for any artist - standing alone trying to fill a stage while getting an audience on your side. Amelia Ryan does not make it easy on herself with her show Lady Liberty, combining singing, storytelling, silliness and a slice of self-help. Fortunately, her talent is as big as her dreams.

Taking musical theatre songs, and some well-known hits, Amelia rewrites the lyrics and rule book on preconceptions of what it means to be a woman today. Her journey from Bombo NSW to Broadway NYC in search of stardom and liberation is equally inspiring and entertaining. Though the venue is compact, it is the love and warmth radiating from Amelia that fills you with glee. Her seven-step plan deals with the highs and lows of being a modern woman in a comical yet poignant tone.

The girl from New South Wales sure puts the NSW in NSFW. Though she is bubblier than Moët and has the spirit of Elle Woods, her life has been a spicy one and she does not hold back sharing the naughty and the nice. A game of 'Never Have I Ever' is especially open book material, and a great use of audience interaction.

Amelia has the life of Carrie Bradshaw, but naughtiness of Samantha, confidence and quirkiness of Kristen Wiig, and all-round Broadway glamour of Kristin Chenoweth. Any guy, gay or gal would want her as their all-singing BFF.

This Off Off Broadway gem of a show is a must for musical theatre addicts, or anyone who loves a great laugh and charming tune. A perfect evening of empowerment, shimmering vocals and cheeky humour.

Amelia Ryan: Lady Liberty runs at Assembly George Square Theatre until 28 August

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