Traditional observational comedy meets English literature TED talk
Simon Evans’ cynical, acerbic deconstructions of modern culture have made him a fixture of both television and radio schedules for years. Shadow Play applies this unique comic voice to the encroachment of artificial intelligence into the arts, by way of the Romantic poets and New Romantic bands. It’s a touching, deftly performed and witty celebration of human creativity.
This year marks Evans’ 30th anniversary at the Fringe, and so he’s had to accept the moniker of veteran – both of comedy, and of life. This comes with the benefit of wisdom to share, and also a need to plan for the future. Evans quips, “I do have pension provisions in place, but they are both unaccountably still alive”. His parents feature heavily in the show, particularly in a very classy finale. Zooming out to look at the elderly more generally, he places blame for overpopulation firmly at their door: they’re too selfish to die.
This material is a tad predictable, although skillfully delivered. The main narrative thrust of Shadow Play, by contrast, makes an impassioned argument against using AI for creative endeavours. This argument unfolds through an extended metaphor involving Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s unfinished poem Kubla Khan. It’s an interesting and amusing meander through both 18th-century poetry and ‘70s prog rock (Rush released Xanadu, inspired by the poem, in 1977) – although perhaps more after-dinner speech than stand-up routine.
This cultural expedition connects back to artificial intelligence through more traditional stand-up fare about “obsolete organs” in both men and women. Evans discusses his own biopsy experience, including more masturbation chat than you might expect. He gleefully chuckles at some of the more near-the-knuckle jokes in this routine, including a great line about Rudolf Hess’s suicide.
It’s this that really captures the appeal of Shadow Play. Of the thousands of shows at the Fringe this year, I’d place a large wager that none of them take in Coleridge, prog rock, prostates, AI and Rudolf Hess all in the same show. Evans clearly cares about his topics, and applies his mastery of the withering one-liner to great effect. A show for those who want to learn while they laugh.
Show Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/simon-evans-shadow-play
LISTINGS INFORMATION:
Venue: Just the Tonic Nucleus (Just the Atomic Room)
Dates: Aug 6th–17th, 19th–20th
Time: 20:45 (60 mins)
Ticket prices: £16
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / www.edfringe.com