Yes, he really does – and it’s pure comic genius
Man Sings the Same Song Over and Over Again for an Hour does exactly what it says: you enter the room to a countdown timer on the back wall, Aussie clown Conk enters in a bold turquoise suit, starts the timer, and the music kicks off. What follows is one of the most unique experiences I’ve had in a theatre (or in this case a stuffy, disused lecture theatre – it is the Fringe after all). It’s a hilarious and riveting piece of performance art that just has to be experienced – you’ll laugh, you’ll question your life choices, and then you’ll get swept away with the sheer silliness of it all.
Reviewers have been asked not to spoil the song being sung, but to my mind this is irrelevant anyway. What makes Man Sings the Same Song Over and Over Again for an Hour so intriguing is the compulsion to see what Conk will do with the song next. He also has a great voice and sings the song very well – I guess it’s inevitable if you sing it as often as he does – but again, that’s not really the point.
What I wasn’t expecting was the sheer joyousness of the experience. There’s a real collaborative atmosphere in the room, with both Conk and the audience willing each other to complete this endurance feat. It’s unexpectedly, but wonderfully, uplifting. This marries well with a freedom to join in – I genuinely avoid audience participation, but at various points found myself (along with everyone else) singing, clapping and even dancing along. As a result, I emerged back into the world feeling more connected, energised, and excited about what comedy can achieve.
You can’t go to the Fringe without seeing a few things which sound absolutely ridiculous. Man Sings the Same Song Over and Over Again for an Hour certainly ticks that box – it’s the type of show angry dads complain about when talking about “comedy today”. And it’s also absolutely brilliant – a true must-see.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/man-sings-the-same-song-over-and-over-again-for-an-hour
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Red Lecture Theatre, Summerhall
Dates: Aug 6th–31st (excl. 17th, 24th)
Time: 19:45 (60 mins)
Ticket prices: £10–£17
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com