Jenny Bede @ Pleasance Courtyard

There is a lot of dodgy science around conception and female fertility in particular, all of which can make for a baby-based panic at certain points in someone’s life – particularly at the end of a long-term relationship. Finding herself at both of these points, Jenny Bede has determined that it’s Eggtime: time to start trying to make a tiny human. She’s done the maths, she’s looked up some of that dodgy science, and all that’s left is to find a willing and adequate partner to help with the task. It’s here that Bede runs into difficulties, and the relaxed dating world provides extra challenges if you know what you want and know that you want it imminently.

With songs inspired by some of today’s biggest musicals, Bede explores her wants and needs and dating history, bringing refreshing honesty and charm. Songs are delivered with great skill and attention to the performance, and though they often fall short of being very funny they add something extra to the show that fans of musicals will enjoy. Where these work particularly well, we see Bede’s character go from very presentable and mainstream to something more honest, racy and altogether strange.

---

Jenny Bede: Eggtime, Pleasance Dome (Jack Dome), until 28 Aug (not 14), 8:10pm, £9-£13.50