Words: Alex Grunberg

4 Stars

Bebe Cave takes the audience back to vaguely medieval times in her comedic play “CHRISTBRIDE” to tell the story of a young girl who just was not like other girls, as all protagonist young girls tend to be.

Bebe Cave takes us on the journey of a precocious heroine. We follow her lows and highs, from being courted by various insufferable suitors to being courted by Jesus Christ – first as an idea of female freedom in a repressive environment and then as a literal vision because this a mysterious time of magic and witches. The unusual story is told with enthusiasm and confident comedic flair by Bebe Cave.

Her ability to create full characters through single props and changes in posture is hilarious to behold. Her refusal to let her audience stay passive leads to wonderful crowd interaction and comedic moments that feel genuinely spontaneous. The set has the quality of a child’s playroom, though the intelligent planning behind the cardboard props and fancy-dress costumes is clear. Cave keeps a solid grip on her audience through snappy wordplay, over the top expressions, emotional explosions, and a sprinkling of surprising historical tidbits.

The staging was creative, the characters memorable, and the story absurd, all tied together by a charismatic and engaging performer. Her commitment to the physical humor is impressive and her energy is infectious. Enjoyable silly fun all around.

Bebe Cave: CHRISTBRIDE
Jack Dome at Pleasance Dome
17:40, 23:00
30 July – 24 August