ED2011 2/5 Reviews ED2011 Comedy Reviews

James W Smith: Living In Syntax (James W Smith / PBH’s Free Fringe)

By | Published on Tuesday 30 August 2011

This amiable comedian delivers a well-structured, polished routine, in which language is the interesting focal point, but unfortunately doesn’t excite much more than a polite titter. The show is bracketed by a game of Boggle; it’s a good idea, but when the game throws up words such ‘weird’ and ‘testes’, Smith observes their absurdity and randomness but does little more with the material. With topics ranging from Suffolk to ham to George Osborne and Catullus, the show certainly does not drag. However, Smith seems unsure what kind of comedian he wants to be; he is not quite gloriously risqué nor darkly self-pitying, though moments of satire feel more heartfelt and fresher than the rest in an otherwise forgettable show.

The Royal Mile Tavern, 6 – 27 Aug (not 16), 6.10pm (7.10pm), free, fpp95.
tw rating 2/5
[tfw]

 



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