George Fouracres: Gentlemon

• Brian Donaldson
• 16 August 2019

This article is from 2019

Character creation and autobiography go hand in hand in a fine solo debut

One third of sketch team Daphne, this chap from the Black Country brings us a debut solo show that tackles family, social mobility and his unwise decision to play a sweaty bunker in a tweed suit. George Fouracres delivers most of the hour in his own well-enunciated voice and some of it in the broad dialect of his home region.

Gentlemon is a heavily autobiographical tale as he recalls his education in establishments that have turrets, and reflects on his grandfather who was always well turned-out despite being his heavy toils as a bricklayer (Fouracres' own wardrobe choice for his Fringe run is a clear tribute). For many of that generation, dignity went hand in hand with a solid work ethic.

Fouracres can't quite let the character side of his comedy brain go though, so we get to meet a number of entertaining creations along the way such as local butcher Huxley Runciman, and Pamela Cundell, the actress who played an amorous widow in Dad's Army. There's one hilarious set-piece about his grandfather waking up for work every morning at a truly unreasonable hour to the sound of a very loud alarm clock and an even more distracting radio. And extra kudos for surely being the only Fringe 2019 show to drop in a reference to Ren & Stimpy.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug (not 18), 3.30pm, £8.50–£10.50 (£7.50–£9.50).