Much like the titular rumpled, alcoholic comedian – ably played by Les Dennis – there’s something outdated about this play. The tone wavers between nostalgia and humour: the jokes, which regularly punctuate the performance, are funny, but they didn’t fly fast enough to keep a modern Fringe-goer entertained. What’s more, within the context of the Edinburgh Festival, 2012, the whole thing feels misjudged. There’s a hint of deeper meaning towards the end – do we crave comedians with miserable personal lives? – but this isn’t really explored, and doesn’t quite ring true. Ultimately this feels like an extended sketch: an amusing caricature, but one that, over an hour and ten minutes, outstays its welcome.
The Assembly Rooms, 1-26 Aug (not 13), 2.50pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Andrew Leask]
Sections: by Andrew Leask - ED2012 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 2/5 | Tags: AR Fringe, Jigsy Productions Ltd, Les Dennis
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