Review

REVIEW: Roisin Crowley Linton: Teenage Kicks – 5*

Radio Ha-Ha! talks Ha-Ha!

Written by Sarah Exton

Review date: 8th August 2019

This has been one of the most phenomenal performances I have seen at the Fringe so far. Roisin Crowley Linton is the voice that we all need to hear. Discussing her experiences as a teenager, and how that’s influenced the way she works with teens in the arts, ‘Teenage Kicks’ is the perfect balance of heart and humour.

This show implements comedy, poetry and a cheeky burlesque number in such a way, that you leave the theatre feeling truly empowered. Roisin may be covering a difficult topic, but she handles it incredibly tactfully through spoken word, and stand up. She’s able to give a raw performance, whilst maintaining a playful atmosphere; a balance which takes a high level of skill and awareness. Whether it’s getting the audience to describe their first kiss to each other, or everyone singing along to a Geordie parody of ‘California Girls;’ this show is my must-see performance at Edinburgh Fringe 2019.

My only critique is that I think there should be a content warning. Even though Roisin is incredibly understanding, and does encourage people to leave if they need to take a moment, the tone switch does come all-of-a-sudden. Therefore, as with shows of this kind, it could run the risk of being unintentionally triggering.

Otherwise, not only is this show flawless, but it’s so important for both women and men to go and see. This eye-opening hour with Roisin is groundbreaking, and the message at the heart of the show is ‘You are not alone’.

Catch Roisin on at the Underbelly Cowgate (Delhi Belly), every day (except the 12th) at 4:20PM. Book your tickets here: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/roisin-crowley-linton-teenage-kicks