The Crack

Brash, loud and hilarious, The Crack has the ambitious aim of revamping cabaret entertainment as a less predictable, more inclusive art form. It’s one of those rare shows whose novelty might prove to be a real trendsetter rather than a one-off oddity.

Dripping with seedy, underground glitz, Assembly’s ostentatious Princes Street Gardens tent seems almost custom-made for the anarchic compilation show. Any hints of tired circus gimmickry are instantly forgivable considering the genuine talent on offer.

Bringing together a wide variety of performances united by unorthodox techniques and gutsy, proactive audience participation, some of the Fringe’s most original acts can be found here. Comedy is the dominating theme, but the off-kilter dance routines and musical elements combine to create something unique and surprising.

After a raunchy opening routine from the permanently pissed Kalki Hula Girl, comedian Phil Kay wanders through the crowd, composing a song based on the audience and its shyest members. Cruel though this might sound, even the performer's most picked-on targets left with huge smiles on their faces.

The assault on the senses continues with a fascinating live painting session and abrasive comic duo Hotnuts and Popcorn being wrapped half-naked in cling film. By the end, pseudo-cowboy Paul Morocco is nonchalantly playing ping pong with the crowd, and you’ve completely fallen into The Crack.

PVC-clad compere Miss Behave’s personality alone is enough to carry the weakest of acts, but here she’s got professionals of the highest quality to play with. She might just have brought cabaret back into the mainstream.