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Annie McGrath: The Seven Stages Of An

Multi-character affair that doesn't quite deliver its promise
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Annie McGrath: The Seven Stages Of An

Multi-character affair that doesn't quite deliver its promise

Someone once told comedian slash actor Annie McGrath that she lacked range in her thespian skills. To prove them wrong, she went off and wrote herself a solo show where she gets to act out seven different parts. Angelica the ghost, seven-year-old Anya, an octogenarian, a newborn baby, a sperm, Annie's mum and a posh extra called Antigone all take turns in the limelight, but despite McGrath's tireless efforts, the clunky premise never offers up the chameleonic showcase of talents that's promised.

We learn that McGrath is a binge-drinking, commitment-shy cynic, suspicious of the Japanese 'KonMari' tidy-up craze, troubled by all the babies her friends are having, and fond of a blast of Coldplay, but few laughs are eked from any of those revelations.

Half of comedy duo Twins, an ex-member of sketch group Leeds Tealights, and daughter of the comedian Rory McGrath, when Annie isn't spending her afternoons in a bunker conjuring up her mini army of 'Ans' out of wigs and bedsheets, she's spending her August evenings over at the Bedlam Theatre in a play called Stack. The turbo drive is clearly there, it's just the material that hasn't quite got the power.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 28 Aug (not 17), 4.45pm, £7–£9 (£6.50–£8.50).

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