Opinion: A deliciously dark Fringe is the Maine attraction…

Loretta Maine

James Barnett reviews and previews Loretta Maine’s show at the 2012 Fringe…

Here’s a prediction for you: after she performs at Edinburgh Festival in August, Loretta Maine will covet headline status on the circuit she returns to in September. She’s that good.

A self-assured bi polar show of comedy and parody – reincarnating the performance of the insecure female song writer, to a satirical joining of Queen Elizabeth meets Avril Lavigne, slices a delicate chord of humour.

Loretta’s performance, which combines the murderous resentment for the gothic image of neurotic insanity and frivolous self-depreciation, is a deliciously dark form of comedy that is far more memorable than other barbed acts.

If you’re hoping to see her in Edinburgh, the entertainment is likely to be an enhanced version of the 99 Club shows that allowed Loretta to disseminate the characteristics of the truly absurd female satire and weave it into new gothic territory, cleverly avoiding the uninspired cliché humour.

Elsewhere on stage, the Dogs Vagina (Loretta’s backing band) harmonizes the spiky stage presence, and allows the audience to digest Loretta’s controversial character. The music (to Loretta’s horror) is actually enjoyable, balancing the satire of the show.

I know the Edinburgh Festival boasts an unrivaled, hectic timetable of performance, where you’ll no doubt be forced to pick and choose your favourite acts; but the deliciously dark Loretta Maine can performs deadly humour at its best, and I couldn’t recommend her enough.

For tickets, see: edfringe.com.