We’re a sucker for a good game show, especially one with an extremely odd theme. (No) Refunds describes itself as an interactive gameshow play and is one of those Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows that uses a fresh guest performer every day in order to keep things fresh. Our host is Tiffany Gold (played by Katy Murphy), a larger-than-life, blonde bombshell-like figure in a sparkly dress with a Southern belle accent. The character is full of slightly odd turns of phrases, and sure does seem to like money a lot. They also have their charm set to maximum stun.
Gold is assisted by their very practical stage manager, Alex (played by Grant Kennedy Lewis). They keep the show, the games and the story ticket as Gold dazzles us and the special guest navigates the game show.
The idea is that we, the audience, are all ‘ticket holders’ and could win our ticket money back. But there is a premium ticket option, for the ‘Star Player’, a talented performer of some sort. The ‘Star Player’ for the show we saw was Jacob Williams, a US-based stand-up comedian. A great choice. Jacob was invited onto stage and got to spin three elaborate wheels of fortune, which gave him three challenges. Win all the challenges, and they will get that (No) Refund. All of which seemed both random and specific. The show is designed with the Star Player’s safety in mind, but the challenges are interesting, and as we watch, a theme slowly begins to build.
Each challenge showcases the Star Player’s talents, especially as a creator. Between the challenges, Gold regales us with their own unique wisdom and quirky humour. There’s a lot more here than one would suspect, but the basic game show elements and characters are very strong. The clever show design is just the cherry on the top.
Williams did very well, but the real gem here is Murphy as Gold. A true treasure of a performance.
This is a play, a game show, an audience experience and something else. It’s very good, well-thought-out, rather funny and will have you thinking about it long after it has ended. Say yes to (No) Refunds. Absolutely the sort of thing the Fringe was organically grown to host.
