Kiri Pritchard-McLean & Gein’s Family Giftshop

Paul Towers, 22 June 2017

Edinburgh preview show – Kiri Pritchard-McLean and Gein’s Family Giftshop

Upstairs @ The Western, 22 June 2017

“self deprecating humour”

Both of these acts have graced the little stage Upstairs at The Western before en route to the Edinburgh Festival, and both acts are welcome back any time.

Kiri Pritchard-McLean last year entertained us with her domestic arrangements and life with along term lover. This year, newly single and wondering if she is getting broody, she regales us with stories of her Welsh family and being a volunteer mentor to vulnerable kids. While she touches briefly on modern politics (hard to avoid these days) it is her vacillating on parenthood and how, when or even if to achieve it or avoid it al together that provides many laughs. Kiri already has a profile on TV and radio and deserves a wider audience.

Also on this double bill (amazing value for £6!) is the renowned Gein’s Family Giftshop. If, like me, you have never seen their show then ignore the name, it is no indication of the chaotic and surreal world this group of lunatic sketch artists inhabit.

As with all preview shows these are works in progress, a means to try out material before an audience. As such some of the sketches worked better than others but both acts’ self deprecating humour and eagerness to engage with the audience smoothed over any bumps in the flow of the evening.

Full details of upcoming performances can be found at http://www.kiripritchardmclean.co.uk/ and http://www.geinsfamilygiftshop.co.uk/

First published on Western Gazette and Pub Theatre blog