Ma Biche et Mon Lapin

• Paul Dale
• 6 August 2012

This article is from 2012

A quirky French comedy from Collectif Aie Aie Aie

Like escapees from a Jean-Pierre Jeunet and/or Marc Caro film (Delicatessen/Amelie/Micmacs), Julien Mellano and Charlotte Blin are craft store silent vaudeville eccentrics; Gallic bunraku doll puppet handlers with no puppets but a whole load of mutant quirk.

Clad in black and sat at a small table lit by spotlights, this duo from the Rennes' Collectif Aie Aie Aie display their curious wares. Pimped up Poole rabbit ceramic serving dishes, accessorised alpine lodge music boxes, doilies, napkin holders, disco light teeth and all manner of kitsch are paraded, mugged over and moved about. There's hints of romance, territorialism, wanton abandon and control freakery as the general dadaism prevails. Mellano and Blin are appealing enough performers, beholden of a balance of whimsy and silliness which fits their DIY ethic. Part of the French Theatre Showcase at the Fringe, Ma Biche et Mon Lapin is humourously and creatively soundtracked and choreographed, even if it does drag a little at just 30 minutes.

Institut français d’Ecosse, 225 5366, until 24 Aug (not 11 & 12, 18 & 19) 12.25pm, 3.25pm and 5.25pm, £5.