The Pleasance is joyfully boasting the opening of new venues this year but, with the exception of the 700-seater Grand, they are little to shout about. Pleasance Beside is one of these new venues and promises little, as it has more in common with a posh festival toilet than a comedy venue, yet new antipodean hope Matt Dyktynski manages to expand the space and outstrip it.
With his snug little audience in tow, the enigmatic Pole Dancer travels down a cathartic road into his off the wall upbringing in an attempt to explain his outlook and absolve his guilt, which disappointingly is never really explained.
This sort of routine can be pocked with pitfalls for the unwary comic but Dyktynski has packed his unassailable charm and manages to lead the willing crowd down a carefully built comedy path. With a mixture of song, unwavering impressions and a quirky, intelligent helping of surreal insight this Fringe new boy is getting off to an impressive start.
While it is clear that he wouldn’t be as comfortable in a larger venue, Dyktynski definitely has something worth exploring. So join Dyktnski in a drink and celebrate his dysfunction while you still can.
4/5
Richard Biggs
