by **** (out of 5)
Born from a German mother and an Italian father, Laura Ramoso grew up around the world before settling down in Canada and starting her comedy career in Toronto through Second City. She began making solo character sketches in the pandemic and has attracted more than 800,000 followers each on TikTok and Instagram, and was named one of the New Faces: Characters at this summer’s Just For Laughs in Montreal.
For her Edinburgh debut, Ramoso indeed showcases some of the characters have come to know and love, including German Mom and Italian Dad, as well as new roles and scenes incorporating audience interaction, particularly noteworthy as she needs “friends” to counsel her as she portrays both sides of a breakup between Frank and Frances (the titular character) in a series of recurring scenes. Her extended riffs on the Italian Dad Olympics, and how women react when asked about their holidays abroad, received big laughs, as did the live version of German mom. We’re also treated to the
I guess some of this she’s showcased on IG before? Women sitting near me had seen some but plenty new here too. Recurring throughout Frank or Frances with their perspective on a breakup and why Frank would want to meet up to talk two months later. Some audience participants to play their friends and offer pre-chat advice. Series of other vignettes included her German mom, Italian dad Olympics, mirror bits about people impacted by their holidays (one men Canada and US; women went to Italy, France and Spain and complained about Scottish men), and the most bizarre, baroque open mic night. Random.
Laura Ramoso: FRANCES runs through Aug. 28 at Pleasance (multiple venues, shows added)
