Best of Fringe: Early Show
Belgian Beer Cafe Oostende
Reviewer: Sarah List
Choosing a ‘best of’ show is always a plunge into the unknown. There’s no theme or set cast, so it’s very much a case of rock up and see what happens – a bit like speed dating. Let’s run with that analogy.
This event sees six suitors (comics) on stage casting out their best lines in the hope of snagging a second date (i.e. you’ll go and see their full show). As you could expect, some will do better than others and not every comic’s style will suit the taste of every single person in the crowd on any given night. Add that it’s always going to be a tougher gig doing the early show which is pre-dinner and cocktails, and some clear winners will emerge – so who went home with the most phone numbers on this night?
Our top pick was magician/comedian Kiwi Jarrod Fell. His show Hack (at the Howling Owl) will definitely be one where one or more people in the audience will be the centre of attention. He had the audience absolutely tied up in knots – partly from his riotous stage act, but also for the poor guy who was the object of his affections for the set. I’ll be booking a date with this one.
Our next pick for a further date would be Lindsay Webb whose show Good Plan is being hosted by the Belgian Beer Cafe Oostende throughout the fringe. Lindsay’s experience on the comic circuit and as the warm up guy for a number of television gigs shone through, and he deftly worked the audience into his corner.
Third act that we thought was worth another look was Micky D, whose own show has already sold out but luckily he’s a regular at the Phat Cave (Ukiyo at Gluttony). His show will appeal to those who like their comedy geographically local, and the crowd was falling genuinely falling off their chairs laughing at his early set.
Host Dan Willis was a warm and funny host for the sold out crowd. Overall the event was a good deal for a taster of a group of different comics, so even if a couple don’t quite hit your funny bones, you come out ahead.
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