This latest show from Awkward Productions is just as chaotic and fun as their previous ones.  It follows the story of actress Gwyneth Paltrow and the 2016 accident on the slopes and the following 2023 court case. Dr Terry Sanderson claimed Paltrow ploughed into him on the slopes and caused life changing damage to him. He attempted to sue her for $300,000, she in turn counter sued for one dollar to make a point. 

The planning and thought that has gone into this production is amazing, not only do the actors do an incredible job, they also include several audience members playing supporting roles, bringing them up on stage to be part of the action. This is a brave move from the creative team as things could go very very wrong, luckily at this performance all went smoothly and it was a fantastic show. 

This show screams ‘Fringe’ from the offset, the playlist of songs as the audience enter are all pop songs with the words ‘skiing’ or ‘court’ added for comedy effect. Props are homemade from cardboard, Gwyneth’s child is a literal Apple and the design is simple and fun. It’s Fringe done perfectly! With Linus Karp as Paltrow, Joseph Martin as the optometrist and the supporting cast of audience members, a drag queen and a puppet too, this is a tour de force of chaotic comedy. 

Linus is hilarious as Gwyneth, softly spoken, living her best Gwen-fluencer life, her vibe is all "GOOP" all the time. Joseph is wonderful as grumpy Terry the optometrist. He’s full of angst and anger which Joseph plays with comic brilliance. 

The writing is the true star here, the comedy is razor sharp and the audience are left in fits of laughter at many points throughout. Pop culture references come in thick and fast, with many references to Paltrows ‘conscious uncoupling’ from Chris Martin, her lifestyle brand Goop and her career as an actress. There is no deeper meaning here, it’s just pure hilarity from start to finish. I was pleasantly surprised by the musical elements to the show also, cleverly written original songs add another level to the overall enjoyment of the show. 

I would recommend this show to anyone looking for something a little ‘off-piste’ which will leave you with tears in your eyes from laughing so much. It’s a fantastically zany comedy and shows what can be done with just two people and a solid comic story. 

This show was reviewed on the 21st August 2024 at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh where it runs until the 26th August 2024.  Tickets here: Gwyneth Goes Skiing | Theatre | Edinburgh Festival Fringe (edfringe.com)

Review written by Rosie Browne

AD/Gifted

Photo credit: Jonny Ruff

Check out other reviews from Curtain Call Reviews and get in touch to have our reviewers head to your show.