IF life is a cabaret, Nana Funk has more than a few tales to tell. Performer Angie Waller’s alter-ego has worked up this act over the last few years to a boast solid hour (or more) of comedy and song, with more to it than meets the eye.
This week Nana brought her show to the Little LTF, the precursor to the established Liverpool Theatre Festival in the Bombed Out Church - fortunately, for the time of year, under cover of an impressive marquee.
Getting laughs from a feisty granny character saying things out of turn is nothing new of course, but the light entertainment format was a great vehicle for Waller to get a few things off her chest about ageism, body positivity, and a society that does not always look after its most vulnerable.
With subject matters like menopause, old boyfriends and new hips, Nana’s original songs are a riot, like Flight of the Conchords meets Pam Ayres. The parodies of well-known hits bring a bigger energy to the second half of the act that goes down a storm. In between, an improvised ‘ask Nana’ section creates a great rapport with the audience.
In Nana Funk, it could be said Liverpool has something of its own ukelele-slinging Mrs Merton. And the double act with mute, put-upon accompanist Val (Claire Jones) was reminiscent of the old dynamic between Dame Edna and Madge. It’s fun, it’s funny, it’s got something to say, and Waller’s improv chops are always something to behold. It’s great to see a fearless, naturally entertaining performer rise to the challenge like this - which certainly won’t be the the last we see of Nana.
Watch out for the return of Liverpool Theatre Festival at the end of August.