Review: GODLEY'S CREAM: 20 YEARS AND COUNTING, Counting House Ballroom
Glaswegian comic Janey Godley has been on the circuit for 20 years. To celebrate, she brings her inimitable brand of comedy to the Counting House Ballroom in Edinburgh as part of the Free Fringe.
Godley is best known to many for her protest of Donald Trump's Turnberry course with her 'Trump is a c**t' sign; this is a prefect example of the no-nonsense, straight-talking comedy that she's loved for. In fact, that sign makes up a particularly entertaining section of her set.
The format of Godley's Cream is very relaxed; Godley welcomes everyone to the venue and ensure that those who need to use the facilities can do so. Though her sharp tongue has made her famous, she never unleashes this on the assembled crowd. This is a safe space, even providing separate seating for those with autism or who do not like crowds.
She knows each of the venue staff by name and informs her audience that they are paid above the living wage and mental health conditions are regularly monitored. These sidelines that she entwines in her set make her all the more likeable; Godley is clearly not one to be messed with, but these comments bring her audience instantly into the palm of her hand.
She talks about online trolls, Trump and stories of her time as a Glasgow publican. Her firebrand comedy is not suited to all political persuasions, but she is unapologetic in her views, and she is rightly loved for it.
Her set feels as intimate as speaking to her on a bus; there are no airs and graces. Godley is funny to the bones and her stories are gold.
With tens of people being turned away from her free show every day, it's advised to queue early to guarantee entry. Godley's Cream may not the the most laugh-out-loud comedy show at the Fringe, but it's definitely one of the most entertaining.
The one word to describe it is 'accessible'; audiences may not like her political values or her comedy, but Godley ensures that there are no barriers - socially, financially or physically - between her and those who come to see her. That in itself makes this show a winner.
Godley's Cream: 20 Years and Counting at Counting House Ballroom until 26 August
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