Review: UK Fringe comedians
Comedy Review: Alice Mepham
Aaaaaaaargh! It's the best of Fringe Comedy from the UK
3.5 stars
Circus Theatre
Entering the circus tent, it felt as though I was embarking upon a journey into an inferno rather than an evening of light-hearted laughs.
However, whilst the humidity was oppressive, the performers managed to deliver us from the hellfire into far more enjoyable territory.
A feat made all the more impressive when you consider this group of comedians consists of middle-aged Britons.
If the audience was struggling in the conditions, surely these lads, having just stepped off the plane, were labouring under serious physiological stress? Nope.
While the audience gasped and fanned away furiously with whatever makeshift item was available, the comedians managed to keep it cool.
Perhaps we can learn something about the stiff upper lip the Brits pride themselves on? Or, we could take the Australian route and invest in an effective air conditioning unit.
As for the show, self-deprecation was the theme of the night. It's a tough time to be British in Australia. The national cricket team has been comprehensively thrashed and almost every local you encounter on the street is happy to remind you of this depressing turn of events.
Clearly while this is not fantastic for your ego, it does provide valuable comedic material for a crowd that takes great pleasure in your nation's sporting failures. However, in trying to find their feet with a new audience, it did feel as though the group were relying on broad comedic clichés at times.
As a result, there were a few lingering silences. On the whole though, the highs outweighed the lows. On a Monday night in a venue that could easily double as a sauna, it's a pleasant distraction. All in all, a joyous escape that's well worth your time.
Aaaaaaaargh! It's the best of Fringe Comedy from the UK is on until February 9.
