delicious combination of unique and spiky comedy
“The Hotly Anticipated 4th Debut Hour from rising star, Andy Barr” is a deliciously spiky treat that will scratch the itch of the jaded Fringe goer.
We open with a history of Andy’s previous shows, and what’s led him to this show, and why it won’t tick off a particular spot on your Fringe bingo card. We veer in and out of puns, anecdotes and callbacks, notably the pitfalls of an apple a day, the joy of ducklings, plus various impassioned poems delivered in states of emotion and overwhelm, and an ill-fated pet influencer career. Tales of hobbies and work tip into absurdist machinations involving pizza-related war criminals, together with bombastic proclamations on skills learnt whilst gaming, all whilst acting as subterfuge for deeper reflections on the world we live in… plus several pints.
The intensity deepens as we progress, and the uncertainty in the audience is shed layer by layer. A ghoulish nostalgia featuring bananas and bin men reaches a feverish crescendo which verges on hysterical. There’s a glorious skewering of a typical Fringe show conclusion, that relies on three different schools of thought combining fantastically and fatalistically. It almost shouldn’t work, but it does. There are shreds of comedic influences that peek through the material, but they all coalesce here into something deeply unique to Andy, which is highly enjoyable and incredibly funny.
This is the type of show that I almost don’t want other people to know about, I want to keep it jealously guarded and then crow about it in the future when everyone else discovers it. Which admittedly isn’t a very helpful approach for a reviewer. Is this a show for everyone? Maybe not. But if it’s for you, it’s really for you. Needless to say, I’m going back for another viewing. I’ll see you there. “
Andy Barr: The Hotly Anticipated 4th Debut Hour from Rising Star, Andy Barr” runs until 24th August, at 20:00 at Pleasance Courtyard. Tickets can be bought here.