NYC-based comedian Britt Migs is making her Edinburgh Fringe debut with ‘Dolphin Mode’, part get-to-know-me, part watch-me-process-my-divorce set. In truth, the processing seems long since complete, leaving only a self-assured performer and a healthy vat of chortle-worthy observations distilled from both misery and rebirth.
From the first seconds of the short film, which introduces the show, it’s clear you’re in the hands of an accomplished performer. No dodgy sound, or scrappy, half-formed script and cinematography here, not a jot. Instead, you get short-film festival quality stuff, as Britt introduces herself on the New York Subway, freshly unemployed, and riding the line whilst accosted by varying aspects of her psyche, all played by Britt.
Sure, it’s not the first time it’s been done, but it’s done well, and it sets a high bar. Making folks laugh at a film in a shipping container is no mean feat, and a testament to her writing and delivery – nor to Director Taryn O’Connor’s sure hand during development.
The first thing you’ll notice about Britt when she enters the room is her voice. It’s a rich, full instrument made for M&S voice-overs and wind-down stories in the Calm app. A physically confident performer, she keeps it up front and personal with an audience, and swiftly dives into anecdotes from the dying days, and aftermath, of her marriage, before outlining the shape of a Bisexually-empowered present.
There are laugh-out-loud moments sprinkled throughout, though some will find themselves too busy picking their mouths up from the floor to chortle at some of her revelations. Let’s just say her ex was simultaneously awful and surpassingly stupid. I’m not saying anyone deserves to be exploited online, but…
Britt’s stories of post-divorce are no less edifying to the male race, who only have themselves to blame for leaving their tongues hanging out with their names and profile pictures attached to their social media accounts. Her adventures online are lovingly recreated on screen behind her just to drive the point home.
“From the first seconds of the short film, which introduces the show, it’s clear you’re in the hands of an accomplished performer.“
There’s another potential version of ‘Dolphin Mode’ – a reference to one failed date spent shaved head to toe a-la Flipper – which is a traumatic one-woman deep dive into toxic masculinity. Fortunately, Britt sees the funny side, or does now, and is happy to share it with the room.
It probably helps that she’s now in a happy queer relationship, the benefits of which she details with abundant twinkles in her eyes. The set also benefits from some wry family stories and a touch of self-deprecation.
Is it hilarious? Certainly – in parts – though Britt could develop sections of the routine beyond the one-two punchline combo she’s just about perfected. On the other hand, the show does make good on its blurb promise to blend comedy, graphic design and storytelling. Britt is a cracking tale teller, and even when you’re not chortling aloud, her charisma and effusive good humour keep the audience entertained. In many ways, ‘Dolphin Mode’ feels like an episode of a well-written sitcom about a 30-something woman negotiating life in the big city. She certainly has that main-character energy needed!
Out-and-out Stand Up, this isn’t, however, so look elsewhere if that’s what you’re hungry for. If you’re looking for an hour-long intro to a compelling, multi-talented young performer on the rise, then Britt Migs’ ‘Dolphin Mode’ will do you proud.
Show details
Venue: Venue 300: Buttercup at Underbelly, George Square (Google Maps)
Date(s): Jul 30th -10th, 12th-24th (26 shows)
Time(s): 2:15pm (60 mins)
Age recommendation: 16+
Price: From £8.50 (concessions available)
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