Tamar Broadbent: All By My Selfie

By E.L. Hardy

If it's a lunchtime party in a 'humid shoebox' you're after, then add Tamar Broadbent's fizzy and delightful show to your list of Edinburgh 'must sees.' Broadbent, winner of the 2014 Stiles & Drewe best new song award, provides a genuinely funny and outrageously silly hour of light entertainment, with only her keyboard and cracking voice for company. Her set of comedy songs are linked with some exceptionally bubbly and charming chat. One or two tenuous links and a slightly illogical structure distract from our engagement with what is, effectively, Broadbent's coming of age story. But, that said, the story of each song is unwaveringly clear, beginning at a point of distress or excitement and unfolding with either an unexpected twist or a cheeky denouement.

The subject matter isn't too serious. Broadbent doesn't get heavy on us; that's not what this pint-sized, charismatic comedian is about. She sings about smartphones, lightweights, the tube ride of shame, hangovers and learning to love yourself(ie). The lyrics aren't nuanced or complex and the simple oom pah pah chord sequences won't blow your mind but, along with her clear and easy vocals, they serve the comedy beautifully. Broadbent wants to you to play guess the rhyme so that she can trick you (or naughtily rhyme the word eyeliner with vagina.) She actively encourages the crowd to sing along with her too. "Oh my God! This is beautiful," she cries, as the whole audience enthusiastically wave their mobile phones in the air. So, it's fair to say that she's hit the nail on the head in terms of writing with a particular purpose and audience in mind.

The show is quite social media heavy so might go over the heads of anyone who doesn't actively engage with it, or go out drinking with the girls. (It made me feel a bit old actually, and I'm not that old!) But, if you too are a young woman, or interested in young women, then this peppy sing-along (with added lager for a lucky few) is for you.

PS: Part of La Favourita Freestival, All By My Selfie is astonishingly good value for money. You know what they say about the best things in life... FREE!

★★★1/2 stars

@postscriptjour

Tamar Broadbent: All By My Selfie

Cowgatehead venue 5

Aug 1 - 25th (not 12)

13.15

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