Words: Miriam Kirchberger
Image: Andrew Perry

4 Stars 

Amanda Knox addresses the controversy of her Fringe show ‘Cartwheel’ in the first few minutes of her show, easing the tension in the room. A self-proclaimed theatre kid, her nerves seem to settle as she moves on to the real subject of her show which asks ‘How do I explain the world to my daughter to protect her?’. Her focus throughout the show is female solidarity, family, misogyny, and her experience of being falsely incarcerated in Italy.

She manages to balance the heaviness and trauma of her 20s by rooting her show in pop culture. Manic Pixie Dream Girl, Orange is the New Black and Wikifeet are all referenced in her stand-up. On some occasions, particularly in light of the numerous anal jokes, this veers into whiplash territory.

Towards the end of the show, she appears to want to set the story straight by explaining the reality behind newspaper headlines. The anger she feels at the justice system and the tabloids is palpable, even as she busies herself on stage by folding the clothes of a toddler. 

The voice of a small child, representing her daughter, will sometimes interject her show. While this prop is slightly unnerving, it gives her the chance to return to the question of how to protect her child by the end of the show. 

Considering the themes of the show, it’s not a show that will leave you in stitches. But Amanda is an engaging performer whose self-awareness manages to bring levity to topics that are no laughing matter. 

Amanda Knox: Cartwheel 
Wine Bar at Gilded Balloon Teviot 
20:15 
7 – 17 August