Yesterday I popped in to see Lynn Ruth Miller’s show, All About Me at The Counting House in West Nicolson Street. In that small balmy room she recounted stories from her childhood – even the smallest things would unfold like destiny. As you listen, you learn to recognise the very few things in which eternity dwells. This lady is an amazing story teller; you listen transfixed knowing she’s deals with trials embracing aloneness and quiet thought to meet life’s challenges. A doll given to her by her mother is a quiet friend she talks to – “who needs drugs” as Lynn Ruth says!
After the show I was indeed fortunate enough to meet up with Lynn Ruth and her friend Sheila Stone. I was initially in touch with Lynn Ruth during this year’s Brighton Fringe and was keen to learn more about this amazing 76 year young comedian! Our chat was informal and pleasant – a pad and pencil would’ve interrupted the creative flow of lively conversation from two intelligent ladies.
Sheila, I learned, is currently writing up her Masters on “Women in Comedy”, a compelling treatise looking at the essence of creative comedy and how women fare in this male dominated market. In time Sheila feels we may perhaps come to the point where we can observe objectively the relationship of one comedic individual to a second regardless of sex or age. Seeing pioneers like Lynn Ruth challenge established doctrine is GREAT!
From here I learned that Lynn Ruth had been coming to the Edinburgh Fringe from the early 80’s. Her wealth of knowledge and objective assessment is something of a gold mine. Guarded yet fascinating snippets were measured out in conversation and I couldn’t help wonder what artists would pay for this knowledge. I would gladly have stayed longer as this was fascinating stuff. Sadly I took my leave and headed up to the Gilded Balloon to see that “lovely fat Glaswegian”, Hardeep Singh Kohli!
Oh, and one more thing, this Comedic Sage is doing not just one show, but two more: Cabaret Gone Wild and Age is Amazing, Redux. I’ve not been so fortunate this time to see Lynn Ruth’s other shows but there’s always next year!
Tags: 2009 Edinburgh Fringe, comedy women, Hardeep Singh Kohli, Late Bloomer Media, Lynn Ruth Miller, Naked Chef, Sheila Stone