Comedienne Nina Conti dazzles at the New Wimbledon Theatre

London Event Reviews by May B

Having missed her run at The Criterion in the West End, I caught Nina Conti’s “In your face” show at the New Wimbledon Theatre this evening. And I’m still recovering.

Her particular blend of comedy, puppetry and ventriloquism – drawing heavily on audience participation and mind-blowingly skilful improvisation – makes for a side-splitting evening of entertainment.

My constant laughter was studded by the underlying tension that somehow she would forget one of the characters, accents or stories. At one stage there were six masked participants on the stage but she managed every unpredictable twist and turn of events – crafting an amazing flow of hilarious interaction. What a pro. And she laughed as hard as we did.

The show starts gently with her chatting to her monkey – who sounds like Sean Connery – a cynical, foul-mouthed outlet for her more demure (despite her short monochrome 60s-style dress) real-life persona. The chair moving and guitar playing (“My face hurts when I play guitar”) had me and the rest of the audience in stitches. Then she invites a couple of audience members in turn to join her on the stage.

Participants have masks attached to their faces and Nina takes over control of both sides of the conversation. All participants this evening joined in gleefully, providing impromptu gestures whilst struggling to contain their own mirth. There were handymen, artists, accountants, midwives, warehouse managers and actresses in the mix. Nothing seemed to faze her – not even software salespeople. And she got them to dance as well.

My companion, who has seen Nina many times on TV, said that she was even better in the live show. And that’s some recommendation. So you need to see this show. But think very carefully before taking a seat in the front row or asking a question.

She’s now on tour visiting such far-flung places such as Oxford, Cardiff, Folkstone, Stoke-on-Trent, Glasgow, York and Torquay. But there are some future dates in venues near London including Aylesbury, St Albans, Guildford and Tunbridge Wells.

Posted Date
Oct 4, 2016 in London Event Reviews by May B by May B