★★★★
“This is the first time I’m doing a show unscripted, so anything could come out,” promises Ruby Wax at the top of the hour. Alongside her former TV producer Clive Tulloh, who forces some kind of structure, they spa amusingly, before getting to what we came here for.
Ruby Wax now focuses on mindfulness and good mental health, but her previous career was that of a celebrity documentarian. Almost the progenitor of Louis Theroux, Wax’s skill interviewing some of the strangest and deluded stars of yesteryear, are shown through a selection of clips. Any fans of Wax will know about the infamous interviews with Trump, Imelda Marcos and O.J. Simpson. What’s refreshing is the juxtaposition between the Wax we see in clips; manic and razor-tongued, and the one talking on stage. Wax now is reflective, and explains how the nature of fame is addictive, that we just want to be in the presence of famous people in the hope that it rubs off.
It’s a delightful hour, and a familiar one. Nostalgia seems to be a fixture of this year’s fringe, and sometimes nostalgia can grate, not with Ruby Wax, she still has that dry wit, coupled with profound insight.
Ruby Wax: Absolutely Famous is on at The Pleasance, Grand until August 29th
