2010 Edinburgh Fringe

Helen Arney review

Helen Arney's Songs for Modern Loving. Helen Arney. Copyright: Big Talk Productions / Bwark Productions

The thing about Helen Arney is that she sings. She sings beautifully, her voice reminiscent of something you might crave in a jazz bar. But the songs she sings are slightly different - a combination of the literal and whimsical; she has a gift for writing clever lyrics.

The only issue is, they aren't that funny. There's occasionally a wry smile, even a laugh, but they aren't what I could describe as musical comedy. Whilst pleasant enough, there is an air of the in-joke surrounding - as if her act was written for her friends. This is well and good, but it needs to be more engaging for a Fringe audience, than people sat around at a dinner party - at times, the show became almost dull, as the pace never really passed that of the afternoon slot on Radio 4.

Perhaps more suited to an older audience, the show has a variation of topic, but not of pace - more like sitting enjoying a coffee in a cafe, than expectantly waiting to be entertained in a comedy venue.

Whilst both a lovely and sweet performer, the material and songs themselves don't seem to amount to much more than easy-listening in the background. If you're after a relaxing wind down, this is the show for you, but look for belly laughs and sharp banter elsewhere.


Helen Arney's Songs for Modern Loving listing

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