Isabelle Glinn’s character is a dedicated ice dancer. On the upper floor of Presuming Ed’s, Brighton’s premier cafe-bar, the audience join her – for this show only – on ice, just how she likes it. You’ll have to watch it to see how, but this reviewer thinks it’s seriously clever. It’s just one of many well-thought-out details in Glinn’s debut solo show, which still needs a bit of polishing to find the funny and really shine.
Isabelle Glinn on Ice explores our titular character’s love of the ice life. Not the competitive side, of course, but the performance, the enjoyment of the audience. If only she could find a reliable ice-dancing-partner to take to the rink with. Unless, the only thing she really needs is the confidence in herself?
Glinn’s character has an obsession with skating that extends to all manner of things, including the thrill of the Zamboni, the machine that smooths over the ice. This, demonstrated with a fairly fun bit of physical theatre that intrigues the audience. Other techniques also add flair, from finger puppetry to lip syncing, adding a slightly demonic quality which is very enjoyable to watch. The flicker of an even more ‘extra’ character here is something funny we’d love to see drawn out for clowning kudos.
Mandeep Singh, Glinn’s improv buddy from CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation, gives a special guest performance as ‘Ray’ the wilfully hapless sound technician who has an obsession with Carlos Santana. His sass aggravates Glinn, and the dynamic between the pair is a real joy.
It’s in moments of music and improvisation in the second half of the show that Glinn really comes through as a performer. She has a beautiful singing voice, and her improvised engagement with the, very kind and willing, audience is charm-personified.
It must be said though, there are many moments of monologue that trip more into the theatre world than comedy, which is what this show has been marketed as. A couple of sections don’t quite land where they should, a song where the audience are asked to rank the character as a person feels slightly uncomfortable for all involved, and the occasional lack of laughs leads to some awkward silences. It feels more like a work-in-progress show at points and perhaps needs a few more demos with a live audience for Glinn to find the funny or recreate moments of magic from elsewhere in the show. Looking at it from a theatre lens, taking the pressure off the comedy sphere, would also be a fine choice. Either way, the potential is definitely there.
Glinn is clearly a creative and capable performer. She’s a trained actress and cut her teeth with improv groups CSI: Crime Scene Improvisation, Notflix and Michelle. Presumably, one of the problems with being multi-talented is that it’s difficult to drill down which of the many things you are good at to focus on. It may need a few runs over with the Zamboni to smooth out the rough edges, but one thing is for certain, Glinn has what it takes to shine.
Reviewed on 11 May 2025. Runs until 31 May, next showing at The Caxton Arms.
