books review

Celebrating Linda Smith

Brighton Festival

Tribute shows to deceased national treasures can often feel a bit over the top, but this was a nice evening of fondly remembered Smith moments. Written, produced and presented by the man she, even after 23 years of partnership, referred to as her boyfriend, the show mixed video footage and music with readings of her work. Smith certainly had a talent for making everything that is wrong with the world sound hilarious and the diverse pieces performed ranged from the regretfully addictive lures of satellite television to the embarrassment of having excessively rightwing elderly relatives, via the horrors of adult Harry Potter reading. With several good performances, the best moments were the ones where her sharp material was left to speak for itself – surely the objective of any homage.

Sallis Benney Theatre, 9 May, 6:00pm and 10:00pm, £12.50, fpp 33

tw rating: 4/5

published: Aug-2008

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