Fringe review: Basil Brush Unleashed ***

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The original fantastic Mr Fox certainly underlines that nothing sells quite like nostalgia.


Basil Brush Unleashed *** (Underbelly, Bristo Square), Until August 25. 

A living legend making his Fringe debut was always going to attract a real buzz, but who’d have thought that in 2019 they’d be queuing round the block to see Basil Brush?

The original fantastic Mr Fox certainly underlines that nothing sells quite like nostalgia.

Eeven on his preview shows, the venue was packed out for his ‘Unleashed’ adults show - mainly by folk of a certain age, it has to be said. The front of the queue was closer to its bus pass than current CBeebies.

The good news?

It’s an hour of complete silliness, which, despite the ‘adults only’ tag is pretty harmless.

Fear not, Basil doesn’t drop any F-bombs. Custard pies and water pistols are still his weapons of choice.


There are special guests each day along with some gentle audience participation and a few glimpses of footage from his TV heyday, which was something that could have been more fully developed in all honesty.

Still, a legend is a legend, and Basil has still got it ...



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