Louise Reay: It’s Only Words

There's something interesting being attempted in It's Only Words. Reay starts the show by holding up boards that read she is only going to speak Chinese for the duration. At the end, she explains that the whole thing is an experiment in the art of communication. The message is clear: It could be Chinese or Swahili or Dutch, but the comedy is in the tone and the actions. The silly stories she is acting out and the over the top gestures that convey her message are what makes it funny.

Unfortunately, what is less funny is dragging audience members onto stage to be used as awkward and uncomfortable human props. Making a man dressed like a baby suckle from a giant bottle could be humorous to some, but Reay holds the embarrassed fellow several minutes too long for it to stay funny. This unfortunate practise continues with three other stooges from the crowd. The collective buttocks clench as she steps off the stage each time. There are no willing volunteers.

It is a real shame as this could be so much more. Her Chinese is impressive, and the sections that she does solo are good. A finale where she gets the crowd to hum the 'Habanera' from Carmen as she conducts like an orchestra is great fun, involves everyone, and no one feels picked on.

By the end the message is clear, if not as intended: Reay isn’t able to provide 45 minutes worth of visual gags so relies on embarrassing strangers instead.