EDINBURGH 2018: Review: JOHN PARTRIDGE: Stripped, Assembly

Joined by the fabulous Emma Lindars on vocals, John Partridge brings a mix of song and storytelling to Assembly Checkpoint.

Stripped takes us through John Partridge's journey into showbiz and the various jobs that he worked. He talks about his parents and how they shaped him, particularly his love of MGM musicals that he got from his dad.

The song list for Stripped is fantastic. We are treated to "Wig In A Box" from Hedwig and the Angry Inch, "I Am What I Am" from La Cage and Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know" among others. There's also a fairly special tap sequence.

What sets Stripped apart from other cabaret shows at the festival is the brutal honesty that Partridge displays. Talking about his struggle with addiction, this is clearly a show that isn't easy to perform.

Partridge tells us that he lost his mother to Alzheimer's last year and that he's struggling today. He performs a song that he wrote for her and warns us that his voice will sound shit (it doesn't). Singing with such raw and pure emotion I would very much doubt that there was a dry eye in the house.

This really is a 'stripped' show as Partridge lays out his vulnerability for all to see. A brave and moving hour from an extraordinary talent.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/john-partridge-stripped

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