They come along rarely, like diamonds in coal dust, glittering in all that darkness that is the Edinburgh Fringe: a perfectly formed comedic character with all the edges polished and rounded, the intonations and inflexions practised until they are flawless and have the impact and presence of a high yield, nuclear detonation.
This is Rosa Wax, the Russian celebrity beautician who is, if you don't know it already, the diva of depilation, the princess of plucking and preening, the grand dame of defoliation. She's also the empress of euphemism, the mistress of comedic mayhem, and the madam of mirth.
Yes, I'm quite smitten.
This is a character created by Marney McQueen, an established and accomplished performer in Australia who, amongst other things, is an actress, singer, voice-over artist, presenter and MC.
She's come to these shores and brought Rosa with her to give us the benefit of her insight into bikini waxing, relationship management and celebrity gossip and scandal. And thank God she has. Not since Count Arthur Strong have we seen a comic creature on the Fringe which has the full 360 degree finish. Appearance, vocabulary, accent, demeanour and style: it's all there. Nothing is missing.
The show is cabaret with songs, stories and audience participation all delivered with impeccable timing. She has a straight man on stage with her, a musician and piano player; Boris, played by the very talented Mark Jones. His deadpan, down-beat, possibly obsessive relationship with Rosa is the icing on the cake and adds a delicious counterpoint to her full-on, brazen style.
Rosa Wax is going to be picked up by television sooner or later. As an MC or comedic presenter, this character is a sure fire hit. The acerbic wit, the sarcastic put-downs coupled with the genuine charm and warmth of this performer is a formula for success.
Make your way to the Gilded Balloon before her run ends on the 26th. If you don't you're likely to regret it for the rest of your life.
Times: til 26 Aug (not 18), 9.30pm