EDINBURGH 2016 - Review: MICHELLE MCMANUS: POP GOES THE IDOL, Stand In The Square, 10 August
Scottish siren Michelle McManus won the nation's biggest talent contest Pop Idol in 2003 to some controversy. She was every inch the pop star, but Eighties icon and judge Pete Waterman took umbrage with her taking the crown.
Thirteen years later her career has had a longevity that many reality stars before and after could only dream of. She's having the last laugh, shared of course with the audience of her one-woman show.
Pop Goes the Idol is the third instalment and the fourth year Michelle has taken on the Edinburgh Fringe. And boy does it show. Her confidence is through the roof and so are her vocals - on a PA system turned up to 11, and a belting musical score that could be heard back in her home town of Glasgow. This performance may be in an intimate tent, but it's showcased as if for the Albert Hall.
The show shuffles comedy monologues with timeless singalong songs. The script itself is amusing, but it's really Michelle who sells it and holds the audience in the palm of her hand. Her comic timing is faultless - with a style reminiscent of strong Scots variety legends like Dorothy Paul, and the self-deprecation, no-holds-barred flair of current star Amy Schumer. Though she may mention her bahookie various times, when she makes herself the butt of the joke it never feels cruel.
Each song choice is loosely weaved into the script, but with such a strong comedic talent, it would be exciting to see Michelle push herself into new places - she could easily handle original songs parodying her own life, modern culture or chart-toppers. The crowd expect hits they know, and she gives them exactly that, but she clearly has the talent and fanbase to go further.
It is worth noting how underrated her UK No.1 record "All This Time is", which Michelle performs now even better than she did in 2003.
If you want a sing and laugh-out-loud night of fun, go see this gallous gal in the gardens this Fringe.
Michelle McManus: Pop Goes the Idol runs at Stand In The Square until 28 August
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