The Dog-eared Collective

• Brian Donaldson
• 24 August 2012

This article is from 2012.

Brave, bonkers but too often a bit bland

If effort equalled quality then the Dog-Eared Collective gang would be on a bullet train to glory by now. Formed seven years ago, it seems unclear quite where they’re headed, but if the quartet (three women and one bloke with long hair) are content to be treading water at the Fringe, then we will surely be seeing more of them round these parts. They will have to up their game though, as You’re Amazing, Now Look at Me! is horribly hamstrung by a series of lame sketches and damp routines which only succeed in nullifying any steadily built-up goodwill.

The finest moment is arguably their own slightly bizarre take on the Olympics with a long skit not about Usain Bolt or Mo Farah or the opening/closing ceremony, but featuring Rhona Martin. Yes, Rhona Martin, the Scottish curler who claimed gold in 2002. It’s a brave decision and features bonkers performances all round, amounting to an enjoyable climax heightened by a spot of pyrotechnics. It’s the kind of bold innovation that the rest of the show sorely lacks.

Underbelly, Cowgate, 0844 545 8252, until 26 Aug, 3.50pm, £10--£11 (£9--£10).