by *** 1/2 out of 5
The opening of Hannah Camilleri’s character showcase really lollygags, introducing her first to the audience as a mechanic, working on someone’s car, or at least thinking about getting under the hood. Once Camilleri kicks her show into gear, we’re treated to a bit of hybrid of sketch and improv, as she’ll enlist audience members to participate vocally, without ever bringing any of them onstage.
A nominee for best show at this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Camilleri won the Pinder Prize, which booked her way to the Edinburgh Fringe. Some in the audience already hooted and hollered for at least one of her characters at first sight, barely containing themselves and cascading laughs throughout the crowd for her character as a school proctor. A couple of her short solo vignettes didn’t quite paint a clear enough picture, so while Lolly Bag is a jolly good time, it’s a bit of a mixed bag at that.
Hannah Camilleri: Lolly Bag runs through Aug. 27 at Assembly George Square Studio Four
