EDINBURGH FRINGE: Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome

This being UK Theatre Network, I steer clear of comedy at the Fringe. Not that Jon Culshaw is just a comedian. In fact, he’s the consummate actor, not only playing the part of a myriad of characters but actually becoming them, it seems. So I can be forgiven for indulging myself by attending something that wasn’t a play.

And I count myself very lucky to have seen this man in action.

What a performer! What a talent! He’s extraordinary! From prime ministers to presidents, sporting and showbiz stars, David Attenborough to our King, this star of BBC’s Dead Ringers and Spitting Image raced through impression after impression, having his audience guffawing loudly at his topical jokes and meaningful speeches, not to mention singing like Liam Gallagher and Pavarotti. There’s nothing and no-one Culshaw can’t do.

But we also got to discover the man behind the voices and how he goes about creating them, starting off as a youngster from Ormskirk who was fascinated by accents.

I’m now off to book to see him again, this time in a play in which he plays Hughie Green to Bonnie Langford’s tragic contemporary Lena Zavaroni.

Jon Culshaw: Imposter Syndrome is at Gilded Balloon Teviot (Debating Hall) until Aug 27 at 16.00 (1 hr). Tickets: www.gildedballoon.co.uk