We sent our reviewer James to watch Max Fulham: Memory Foam

Max Fulham: Memory Foam is certainly a show that will stick in the memory long after all the trinkets and boxes of Fringe are packed away and life has returned to relative normal. From a deceptively simple conceit, Fulham conjures a hilarious, heartfelt show that has the audience in stitches throughout, but is still able to tug on the heartstrings and bring out a depth and richness that may have been lacking in a lesser show just gunning for laughs.

At the top of the Pleasance on Potterrow, in the cosy environs of the Jack Dome, Fulham welcomes us into his attic. Strewn about the floor are various packing boxes and suitcases and we open with a brief run through of some of the puppets that didn’t quite make the cut for the main show. This is a great start, allowing the audience to settle into, as Fulham admits, the often somewhat maligned art of ventriloquism, and show off both his quick-fire wit and technical ability to great effect. Having got the audience comfortable, the main part of the show takes off into the past, with his biggest recurring character, Grandpa, reminiscing as the titular ‘memory foam’.

The story, such as it is, is slight, involving uncovering memories in various places about the room. This works very well though, as it is more a vehicle to introduce us to the multitude of amazing characters in Fulham’s arsenal. All distinct and beautifully drawn, all extremely funny, all slightly unnerving on occasion.  

The bulk of the show is ventriloquism and Fulham’s skill and obvious love of the craft is completely absorbing. Intentionally dated references are peppered throughout, lampshading the view of the artform as slightly anachronistic. These draws gales of laughter from those of us old enough to remember and find new humour in their explanation to the younger members of the crowd. There is also a great sense that, modern as this particular take is, it is steeped in the history of vaudeville and music hall and even further back. I’ve said elsewhere that there is great joy in watching someone being really passionate about something they love and this shines through Fulham’s performance here as well.

To add to the number of plates already spinning, in the particular performance reviewed here, Fulham handled some potentially show-derailing technical hitches and overzealous audience members with aplomb and never let the pace or the comedy sag. It was a true masterclass in how to handle the occasionally inevitable perils of the unexpected in live theatre and the crowd were kept thoroughly onboard throughout.

There is light audience participation for a couple of willing volunteers and after the earlier tricky situations just mentioned, this soared and received a well-earned rousing cheer from the enthusiastic crowd. I am excited to see more of Fulham’s work and you should definitely set yourself a reminder to go and see Memory Foam this Fringe.

Rating: ***** 5 stars

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