Dressed entirely in black and staring fixedly at his audience, Clovis Van Darkenhelm attempts to cut an imposing figure as he introduces himself as an “investigator of the paranormal”. In reality, he is completely upstaged by a puppet worm – a large Mongolian death worm, no less, which he brandishes to scarily amusing effect at a photo of the prime minister. The worm is the sole bright spot of what is otherwise a pretty tedious act, with Clovis’ material lacking any real substance. His supposed channelling of dead poets quickly wears thin and his attempts at dirty jokes are mainly embarrassing rather than entertaining. Obvious and tired rather than mysterious, Van Darkenhelm is mediocre at best.

The Cabaret Voltaire, 4 – 25 Aug, 7.35pm
tw rating 2/5 | [Sarah Richardson]

Sections: by Sarah Richardson - ED2012 Comedy Reviews - tw rating 2/5 | Tags: Clovis Van Darkenhelm, PBH's Free Fringe

Also from ThreeWeeks...

1. ED2012 Comedy Review: Politics Now. Politics Wow! (Sir Reginald Tweedy-Duffer/Scottish Comedy Festival)

   The premise of this show is basic but comically sound. We are introduced to Sir Reginald Tweedy-Duffer, the archetypal upper-class Tory, Secretary for Youth Affairs, and we join him aboard...

2. ED2011 Comedy Review: Comedy Manifesto (PBH’s Free Fringe)

   Returning to Edinburgh for its fourth year, ‘Comedy Manifesto’ is beginning to look tired. It attempts to be a topical quiz similar to ‘Have I Got News For You’, yet...

3. ED2011 Comedy Review: Applied_Optimism (Alex Marion / PBH’s Free Fringe)

   Unlike many comedians performing at the Fringe, Alex Marion has chosen a show title that accurately describes what he’s going to do, as opposed to inventing a zany name just...

http://www.facebook.com/clovis.vandarkhelm Clovis Van Darkhelm What a strange review of my show! I understand that there are many people who lack the intelligence to appreciate comedy but don’t send them to REVIEW it! Would you send a deaf person to review a concert? Does Ms Richardson realise that when she goes to see a production of macbeth that the actor didn’t REALLY kill the king and there is no need to call the police?! Does she not see that my ‘so called channelling’ is not meant to be real? Perhaps she should look up the words ‘Comedy’ and ‘Character’ in a dictionary. Also it’s Van Darkhelm not Darkenhelm. Mike Hayley (REAL person) On behalf of Clovis van Darkhelm (NOT a real person! Geddit Sarah? Geddit?) http://www.facebook.com/clovis.vandarkhelm Clovis Van Darkhelm What a strange review of my show! I understand there aremany people who lack the intelligence to appreciate comedy but don’t send them to REVIEW it! Would you send a deaf person to review a concert? Does Ms Richardson realise that when she goes to see a production of Macbeth that the actor didn’t REALLY kill the king and there is no need to call the police? Perhaps she should look up the words ‘Comedy’ and ‘Character’ in the dictionary. Also it’s Van Darkhelm not Darkenhelm. Mike Hayley (REAL person) On behalf of Clovis Van Darkhelm (NOT a real person! Geddit Sarah? Geddit?)