Thursday 8 August 2019

Mark Nelson : Brexit Wounds, Gilded Balloon Teviot, Edinburgh Festival Fringe

In a festival where novelty is all, where so many silly ideas are brought falteringly to life, and shows need props and effects and soundtracks, it's good to have a reminder of the simpler pleasures of pure observational comedy.  One man, one microphone, and that's it.  Nelson is one Scotland's finest exponents of the art.  Swiftly takes the mood of his audience, quick with smart comebacks, analogies that illuminate with a sideways light, the confidence of the experienced professional.

The show wasn't wholly about brexshit, which is just as well - he's having to rewrite it daily as the process squirms and writhes toward it's death throes.  So the set also delves into house buying and the perverse language of estate agents, becoming middle class, what it's like to be Scottish on a hot day, and an exploding car.  He doesn't always take the safe course, has his own opinions and isn't afraid to engage in argument.  An hour with Mark passes quickly.

Recommended.

Mark Nelson : Brexit Wounds is on in Gilded Balloon Teviot until 25 August.

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