What a Fringe debut this is. An absolute lock-in, don’t-miss-a-thing outburst of talent. From South West Nigeria, via Edmonton, North London, Lagos, and a little spell in Hungary, Ayoade Bamgboye arrives at the Fringe like she owns the place. And she may well.
The name Ayoade has royal connotations, plus Bamgboye was born with supernatural foresight and, crucially, good eyebrows; so, a special one. And she does march around this space in a magisterial fashion, fascinated by old-school expressions, such as the show’s title. And microphone leads, which she sports as an elaborate over-the-shoulder accessory, or like vintage Morrissey. And the microphone stand, which goes wandering after inventive use as an illustrative prop. “I don’t know why I put that there,” says the comic, addressing her nearest subject. “Do you?”
It transpires that Bamgboye has actually been to clown school, hence the joy in exploring physical comedy. Meanwhile she veers between accents so naturally, sometimes mid-sentence, it can feel like a character show, at first. But then tragedy strikes, and this seemingly nerveless performer falls apart – in the past.
Swings and Roundabouts is really about a life already beset by extreme highs and lows, and Bamgboye’s remarkable responses. But it’s all riotously, unpredictably funny. A special talent indeed.
Ayoade Bamgboye: Swings and Roundabouts, Pleasance Courtyard, until 24 Aug (not 12, 19), 4.45pm