Nina Conti

Nina Conti is remarkable, in her talent, her honesty and her boldness to constantly move forward exploring her art and herself without flinching. The evening was separated into two parts. The first, introduced by Monkey from the Royal Box, was a screening of Conti’s award-winning semi-documentary film ‘Her Master’s Voice’, chronicling not only her relationship with her mentor Ken Campbell, but her visit Stateside to Vent Haven with Ken’s bequeathed puppets and the ventriloquists’ conference nearby. It was her questioning of her vocation, her future and Ken’s legacy to her, and a remarkably in turns touching and funny piece.

To have the second half as her new ground-breaking improvised ventriloquist show ‘In Your Face’ following on was a celebration of the conclusion of the film. Conti has fought against a fear of being staid and is tripping a line that is both exhilarating and hugely entertaining for all parties, demonstrating such a skill as to captivate the entire theatre and draw them in with delight. So much fun, so much admiration.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 20 May 2015

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