Fringe review: THE GREAT RUCKUS, Izzy Tennyson & Etch - Edinburgh Festival Fringe

Having to navigate your way through your mother's funeral is tricky enough, but when you find that the warm embrace of your family quickly turns to a seething snake-pit of selfish and self-absorbed relatives, what do you do?

Grandparents argue over whether the funeral reception should be a celebration of Marks and Spencers catering packs or a piece of Victorian Gothic tragedy. Jo and Ida dutifully march along only to find that their already delicate relationship is about to crack under the pressure.

Written by Izzy Tennyson, who also plays Jo, the text is wonderfully descriptive and would work well as a radio production, the words conjuring up exorbitant images. However, there is little eye contact with the audience and a lot of shuffling around which breaks the connection at times.

It's a great observational piece. A dark look at annoying relatives, sibling rivalry and the bizarre situations, that are rare but sometimes find ourselves in.

A detailed illumination of life's tribulations.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin

The Great Ruckus plays at Baby Grand at the Pleasance Courtyard at 2pm until 28 August.