Simon Munnery has returned to the Fringe this year with two new shows (the other being Buckethead at the Assembly Rooms), although this isn’t so much a show; more a series of apparently unprepared ramblings which Munnery attempts to assemble in some kind of order.
Tenuously structured around a formal meeting setup, with audience members invited to put forward motions to direct the flow of topics (a format which comedians generally resort to when they don’t have enough material to fill an hour long slot). For the first half hour, Munnery gave the impression that he didn’t really want to be there, and although he kept us entertained, there was a feeling that he might leave if we upset him. That was only the first half though, and after an immense build up, he did the best impression of Bob Dylan I’ve ever heard, and he reaffirmed our fondness for him.
Munnery has built up a dedicated group of followers, which pretty much guarantees a decent turnout for all his shows, and, although he loses interest every now and then, he always manages to claw his way back, even if it is by resorting to slapstick stories of him falling off stage. Possibly the most genius element of Munnery’s act though, was his blatant audience manipulation. As his act closed, he brought his baby on stage. How can you not applaud a baby? In my eyes, that is one step away from giving us all free puppies. Genius.
4/5
Becky Stone
