It’s a little disarming to see Fiona Allen dressed in black with nothing but a mic. Although she’s been in the industry for decades, most will know the actor from Emmy-winning Channel 4 sketch show Smack the Pony. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if it’s the main reason the crowd have bought tickets today.
It becomes clear from the first few minutes that the set will focus on domestic and family life. Hearing Allen’s own natural voice is interesting since we are so used to hearing her brilliant versatility in sketch comedy, but it’s usually her impressions – her Bulgarian cleaner, Aussie hairdresser, and various others – that earn some of the biggest laughs. They only really pepper the show here and there, though. Most of the set is devoted to everyday observations about car parks, supermarkets, passive-aggressive school parents, and married life. It’s not that Allen should ‘stick to her lane’, but her mimicry and skill with accents is so impressive it outshines most of the other content and deserves more attention.
The laughs are also more forthcoming when the star treads edgier, more unexpected territory like messing with the other ‘progressive’ parents, taking creative licence with her kid’s ‘homework bear’, and bizarre interactions with ex-neighbour Rolf Harris. A lot of the core material on parenthood feels a little too safe and familiar. However, when we traverse to Allen’s own mother, who is Spanish, the pace picks up and there’s a more unique perspective and another chance for a quirky impersonation. But it does leave us wanting more of this…
‘On the Run‘ is generally… safe. The content is probably very relatable for some, just not particularly fresh. There are moments of sparky character work and some great laughs when we veer off the predictable path. It frustratingly feels like there could be an even stronger show built on those, though.
‘On the Run’ runs until Sun 20 Aug 2023 at Pleasance Courtyard – Upstairs at 16:15