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Pleasance Courtyard – Above
A charming and well-crafted stand-up that weaves humour and emotional depth, this production showcases Ania Magliano as a rising star in the UK comedy scene.Summary
Rating
Excellent
Ania Magliano’s latest offering at the Edinburgh Fringe, Forgive Me, Father, is a delightful exploration of personal growth and relationship quirks woven into a tapestry of humorous anecdotes. Unlike her previous shows, which hinted at deeper themes, this one is a masterclass in blending light-hearted comedy with poignant introspection.
At 26, Magliano finds herself navigating the precarious waters of commitment, cohabiting happily yet grappling with occasional relationship bumps. Her comedic journey delves into childhood experiences shaped by divorce and recent escapades like the search for a lost contraceptive coil – a topic seamlessly integrated into her exploration of commitment-phobia. What could be mere fodder for laughs in lesser hands becomes a vehicle for deeper reflection on personal fears and vulnerabilities.
The show’s centrepiece, a hilarious recounting of her encounter with “the world’s most powerful vibrator,” is a testament to Magliano’s knack for transforming everyday absurdities into comedic gold. The image of her fumbling with an extension cable adds to the charm, and her storytelling prowess ensures the anecdote resonates beyond its initial humour, touching on themes of intimacy and self-discovery.
Between these standout moments, Magliano treats the audience to a smorgasbord of witty observations: from ranking celebrity breakups to whimsical musings about hypothetical creatures with “one big tooth”. Each joke is meticulously crafted, contributing to a cohesive narrative that, while predictable in its conclusion, is delivered with such finesse and warmth that it feels fresh and engaging throughout.
One of the show’s strengths lies in its ability to balance frivolity with substance. Magliano never sacrifices depth for laughs; instead, she mines her personal life for material that, while entertaining, also offers glimpses into universal truths about relationships and human nature. Her clever callback to insights gleaned from her well-informed boyfriend underscores her growth both as a comedian and as a person, wrapping up the performance with a satisfying emotional arc.
Memorable moments abound, such as her witty take on her partner’s past relationships and her humorous analogy of online stalking to “a dead relative watching from heaven”. Each
anecdote is a testament to Magliano’s storytelling prowess and her keen understanding that comedy, at its best, resonates because it reveals truths about the human condition.
In Forgive Me, Father Magliano proves herself to be a rising star in comedy, blending laughter with introspection in a way that feels effortless yet profound. Her show is a testament to the power of storytelling, demonstrating that even the most whimsical tales can carry weight when told with sincerity and skill. For those seeking an hour of laughter laced with moments of genuine insight, this performance is not to be missed.
Written by Ania Magliano
Produced by Country Mile Productions in association with Avalon Management
This show has completed its run at the Edinburgh Fringe.
