An energetic and inventive show that needs more focused material.
Dan Leith invites us into the Flight Club for an hour of alternative musical comedy in his new show Defiling Gravity. The show covers life’s ups and downs and the ways in which Dan has survived death, from his family’s near miss with the Titanic to an array of self-inflicted accidents.
The Flight Club is a particularly interesting venue that is set up as though the audience are seated inside an aircraft, including genuine airplane seats with tray tables. Dan uses this to his advantage and includes show material that is tailored to the room. This is an impressive use of the space that really paid off as the safety announcement elicited strong laughs from the audience.
With a mix of comedic songs, anecdotes and audience interaction, the show is entertaining in parts but sometimes lacks clear focus. Dan has a great stage presence and energy, however, some of the material doesn’t quite hit the mark with unclear anecdotes and punchlines that fail to elicit a response from the audience. Parts of the performance rely quite heavily on audience interaction, which unfortunately is not always forthcoming.
It is clear to see that Dan has a talent for music, his songs are well-written and catchy, but there are just not enough laugh-out-loud moments for this musical comedy show.
For the audience to remain engaged and the show to thrive, the material will need tightening up, but Dan’s energy and passion shine through.
Dan Leith: Defiling Gravity is at the Edinburgh Fringe until 24th August at Flight Club at Laughing Horse @ West Port Oracle. Buy your tickets here: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/dan-leith-defiling-gravity