Comedy: Guilt and Shame: Going Straight

If the sight of blue robe clad Bisset-Smith welcoming you in a chillingly voice and asking that you don a blue surgical cap doesn't worry you at the opening of this delightfully flamboyant production, then the huge poster of Jeremy Clarkson posing as God will.

"Depraved comedy duo" Rob Cawsey and Gabriel Bisset-Smith tell the story of two friends who, in order to keep their friendship alive must cure Rob of his homosexuality via the means of the church of Clarkson. That this is an actual 'thing' in parts of the world, doesn't make this show as 'preachy' as you might think. They make an earnest point in what is arguably a very poignant and yet very funny way.

Uncomfortable? Yes. Crude? At times. The thing about this cleverly put together piece is its deceptively subtle writing. The journey that Guilt and Shame takes you on is more than the surface level filth and depravity with a bit of camp dancing thrown in for good measure.  Rapping dwarves, Elton John references and a happy ending with an 'aww factor' left the audience feeling good and yet somehow questioning their own attitudes.

Cawsey and Bisset-Smith have an impressive catalogue of writing and performing between them. Whilst Guilt and Shame may veer to the experimental side of comedy, it's well thought out and makes for a good hour of Fringe entertainment.

It's not for those who are easily offended, shocked, or who find the image of Jeremy Clarkson physically repellent. If none of the above apply then you should definitely go and see Guilt and Shame.

3/5 - Brilliantly fringe.

You can see what they are up to on www.guiltandshame.co.uk and they will be performing at the Underbelly at the Edinburgh Fringe. 

Hear the full Brighton Moon show here
http://www.mixcloud.com/Brightonmoon/a-dash-through-divine-comedy/