Fringe 2025 – ANGLE OF THE NORTH: NATALIE DURKIN ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Edinburgh Reporter

a day ago

The way the performers interact during the initial stages is often a very good sign of what is to come.
As Fringe-goers entered the pub for Angle of the North and were greeted by an effervescent Natalie Durkin, it was clear that this was going to be an enjoyable show. So it proved.
The real essence of the Fringe
The atmosphere was warm, with about 25 people crammed in the small back room of the Southsider pub ('let me warn you, it's going to get f***ing warm in here!). This is the real essence of the Fringe. As the audience waited, they were 'treated' to a series of 'bad Eighties tunes'. Though primarily stand-up comedy, music was going to play a role in the show – Durkin's singing was unexpected and impressive.
There was a nice mix of ages in the room, so the tunes would have been familiar to many. Again this added to the sense of ease in the room. The audience seemed to sense that they were in good hands and would not have to battle through 'Fringe Cringe'. The show proved to be far from that.
Collective, collaborative atmosphere
Durkin did a great great job of creating and maintaining a nice collective, collaborative atmosphere. This was through the character of her interactions with the audience. She was never harsh and no one was put on the spot. We all felt included. This encouraged people to contribute, including a couple on the front row whose entertaining interactions with Durkin really added to the show.
Durkin's off the cuff remarks and reactions demonstrated a performer that was relaxed and sharp. There were no awkward silences. The relaxed feel of the show meant she could go with the flow when things didn't go quite as planned ('that was clearly not meant to happen – but let's just go for it'). She carried the audience through it all. She even made the setting up of the mic stand into a feature of the show!
Am I becoming middle class?
Her main focus was on the questions of culture and class. More specifically, of her own unease – having moved to a rather posh area of North London from the North East of England. Trips to the Hampstead Heath bathing pool still made her feel uneasy given her working class roots. 'Am I becoming middle class?'. Her new life was at odds with her upbringing and some of her preferences, much preferring kebabs to avocados. There are familiar themes in British comedy but were done well, not hackneyed.
The show was fast-paced, with engagement maintained right throughout. Nice changes of pace and tone helped, as did the shifts into song; songs which were humorous and well performed. The themes also shifted, from very light to quite dark at times. This all gave the performance a nice texture. Though she described it as a work in progress show, it's clearly progressing well. The shows 40 minutes passed quickly and highly enjoyably.
An excellent advert for the Free Fringe
The performance was very much in tune with the principles of PBH's Free Fringe. The whole setup was very minimal (a black sheet, a synthesizer and a microphone); all rather different from the more 'professional' rooms at the big venues, where the lighting and flow of air may be better. Durkin's 'bucket speech' was spot on; not begging for money, but paying tribute to the Free Fringe, outlining that working through it was the 'only reason' she could perform in Edinburgh. This highly engaging show was an excellent advert for the Free Fringe. A good reason to explore the Fringe outwith the big venues.
ANGLE OF THE NORTH: NATALIE DURKIN is part of PBH's Free Fringe. No booking required – just turn up.
It runs at the Southsider – Side Lounge (venue 148) from 16:30 – 17:10, until August 24th
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/angle-of-the-north-natalie-durkin
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