Eyes down bingo with Ida Barr at the Brighton Festival Fringe

Freerange is the domed arena at the back of St. Peter's church that provided some of the more quality Fringe netertainment. It doesn't quite match the heady days of the Udderbelly (the Fringe isn't really the same without it) but does capture a little of the alternative festival magic the Fringe so desperately lacks. Outside is a cosy forecourt with double-decker cafe, some organic food and drink stalls and a decent sized bar.

Inside the Freerange dome was a table and seating arrangment for a large carbaret in front of the stage where the bingo machine and prize table (see photo) was waiting for the main act, Ida Barr. She's described as an ex-music hall star turned OAP rapper that is known for her unique brand of Artificial Hip Hop as well as her skill in bingo calling. Chatting to those sat next to us, we discover that Ida Barr is in fact played by the entertainer, Chris Green who also plays Tina C, the leggy Southern belle country singer.

Ida Barr herself was an excellent character though I don't think the venue did her many favours as it was an echoey cavern with the traffic and policecar sirens disturbing the sound quality. For the bingo you had to listen intently for the numbers and Ida's special spin on the number names which were quite topical with the election or were mildly humourous.

Her singing and rapping were more impressive as a talent. Her first song was a take on Sugar Hill Gang's Apache rap (see my YouTube video) that really stood out as a performance. The lyrics were really well written to the song and her delivery excellent. Other songs were more music hall style and still quite fun to join in with. In the right environment i.e. better sound-proofing and perhaps a crowd who'd had a few to drink, the performance would have been a classic. Check out her Underneath the Arches song on YouTube.

The bingo carried on and prizes were given out, Ida was a little senstive of giving away her Queen Mum figurine but seemed keen to get rid of her tapestry of Constable's The Hay Wain. Her last song was actually the Hokey Cokey which everyone had no problem of dancing and joining hands in circles. The final moments was another dance embarassement of the conga but this snaked its way out the tent cleverly to end the show.

Good fun for a load of mates but in need of a smaller venue and plenty of booze.

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