Refreshingly unique character comedy with hints of greater storytelling
Tim Reeves does not want to be at the Fringe, and he doesn’t want you to be here either. He’s a reluctant nepo-baby, forced to put on a show because his uncle is CEO of the Edinburgh Fringe.
The character of Tim starts his show with his ‘routine’ covering pigeon feet, his godfather, the secrets of emergency vehicles, and why he hates being in the way, before revealing his family secret about why he’s in front of us today. Who knew the very first Fringe show began from blind-folded ferret smelling? Particularly enjoyable was the wry emphasis of this being an international festival, when three out of four in the front row were from London, and I would like to see more of these sardonic moments.
There are some delightfully surreal tales, which have a richness that isn’t always present in the rest of the show. The aforementioned ferret story is a particular favourite, along with the secrets that lie behind the secret door in the hairdressing salon, hinting at greater comedic storytelling potential. In the delivery, there are shades of something akin to John Kearns, but this character has his own distinct voice, particularly in regaling tales of his childhood escapades, involving a piñata. There’s also a recipe segment which is particularly imaginative. This is clearly a strength of Tim’s and it would be interesting to see a version of the show with a greater emphasis on these flights of fancy, than the character who doesn’t want to be here.
There are some brief diversions into crowdwork, some of whom are more on board with this character than others. A repeated mirthless ‘ha ha ha’ gained momentum through the show, but we ran a bit dry towards the end of the show and the final conclusion, essentially imploring us to please leave.
Despite his protestations, this character comedy is something refreshingly unique and has great comedic potential to develop further, and win audiences wholeheartedly.
“Tim Reeves: Give This A Miss” runs to 24 August, at 22:20, at Wee Cow @ Underbelly George Square. Tickets can be bought from: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/tim-reeves-give-this-a-miss