EDINBURGH 2012: BWW Reviews: KAPUT, Udderbelly Pasture, Dairy Room, August 15

Don't you hate it when everything goes wrong? Well Tom Flanagan is having one of those days, every day of the fringe. When I say everything goes wrong I mean that with the utmost respect. This is high quality retro slapstick with a modern somewhat abusive twist. Ok abusive is the wrong word, he's a lovely chap but the audience sometimes need a bit of 'encouragement'.

This silent performance is Keaton-esque (Buster not Michael). That staple of slapstick - the ladder - is used to great effect in the limited space of the stage. Tom is in perfect control - I would imagine and hope - but as he wobbled precariously or swung wooden planks there were gasps of shock. These gasps added to the old silent movie aesthetic perfectly.

The undoubted star of the show which I was lucky enough to attend was an audience member that Flanagan utilised as a co-star. She was a fantastic sport and I believe Flanagan himself would admit she stole the show whilst he displayed his comedic dexterity in facilitating her.

This is an excellent show for all ages, a genuine family show. From the young child in the centre of the front row to that star of the audience who must have been in her seventies everyone was having fun. It is highly energetic, highly skilled and highly entertaining; it’s certainly the kind of show that really benefits from being in 3D!

Kaput is on at Udderbelly every day (except the 20^th) at 15.05.

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