Stitch in Time: A Knitting Cabaret

Monday 4th August 09.40

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Conceived and presented by Melanie Gill, a highly talented Canadian vocalist, and a keen knitter, this show was an obvious choice for this reviewer, a fellow enthusiast for needles and hooks – particularly as the audience are invited to knit and crochet during the show (knitting and needles are provided for those who haven’t brought their own). There was a moment of bonding before the show, when Melanie was in the foyer, struggling to manoeuvre a pretty knitted lace cape over her head, and accepted my offer of help to arrange it without getting entangled in the balls of yarn and needles on her novel little hat (based on an original 1940s design) or disturbing her bright red 1940s-style lipstick. We immediately bonded over a preference for knitting shawls, as we dislike sewing up the seams of garments (a common hate issue for knitters).

But this highly entertaining show has a much wider appeal – as my non-knitting husband will agree. Melanie Gall is not just a performer. She researches musical history, and as part of that research, discovered a rich and largely forgotten vein of over 200 songs about knitting, written during the First and Second World Wars, when the skill enjoyed an explosion of popularity amongst all ages, sexes and levels of society, churning out socks, mittens, gloves, and other warming items of clothing for the troops. Basic knitting patterns were issued by the Government and appeared in women’s magazines in every part of the British Empire, Canada, Australia and the USA. We are taken on an entertaining and enlightening tour through this forgotten piece of social and musical history, with Melanie illustrating her anecdotes with visual aids - cartoons from Punch Magazine and American journals, amusing and attractive covers from sheet music. She relates how the obsession changed and filled the lives of many, interspersed with sparky songs expressing how knitting becomes a desirable accomplishment for a potential wife, a frustration to a young man’s ardour, or a metaphor for rather more louche behaviour.

The songs themselves are delightfully performed. Despite a hoarse throat caused by damp Festival accommodation, Melanie’s voice soared as she sang, bringing huge vivacity, warmth and humour to the lyrics. Pianists Erin Craig and Bennett Paster provide deft recorded piano accompaniment.

Even if you have no knowledge or interest in knitting, this delightful show would appeal to anyone curious about the quirkier corners of social history, popular music of the first half of the 20th century, and the pure fun and ingenuity that the human spirit creates in times of crisis. One moving story demonstrates how knitting could literally save a man’s life.

As a final plus, unlike most shows on the Fringe this year, Melanie provides her audience with a printed programme, including details of her recordings – much appreciated by those who would like to explore the world of the knitting song further. (TA)

Stitch in Time: A Knitting Cabaret runs daily at Theatre 3 at theSpace @ Surgeons' Hall until 16th August - details here