Amée Smith @ Underbelly, Med Quad
Amée Smith's show has a potentially good idea at heart, but is a badly underdeveloped debut
When a performer opens her set with a song she openly admits she can't play on guitar and then abandons it after just a few lines, the audience might be forgiven for thinking they've paid for a dud. When those who stay are rewarded with a set that appears poorly conceived and poorly executed, it's a surprise more didn't walk out.
Amée Smith says her show is not about her comedian ex-boyfriend, but then bangs on and on about what a terrible person he was. If she has spent five years listening to ideas for potential shows, there really is no evidence of it here. The overwhelming impression is more of its back of the envelope ideas. Her refrain of 'this is awkward' does nothing to alleviate concern and grates badly.
Giving the benefit of the doubt, this performance could have had some kind of purpose or meaning about moving on from a relationship. But there are only a few titters here and there, and barely any laughs. On leaving, it's confusing to think how it got to this stage in the first place.
Amée Smith: Relax, It's Not About You, Underbelly Med Quad (Daisy), 3-29 Aug (not 16), 3pm, £6-10