The Tron is a proper comedy venue, thanks to ”the number of street performances and fighting tramps” outside. This is the opening gambit of Alun Cochrane’s show and it is a case in point.
He appears to genuinely revel in aspects of life that other people might find ordinary. The Tron IS a proper comedy venue and it does seem to divorce the viewer from the feeling of being at the Fringe. It is, however, just this sort of choice on Cochrane’s part that sets this show apart from other offerings.
Having enjoyed a good previous year with rave reviews and award nominations, he could have moved to one of the bigger venues (he was a Gilded Balloon man in 2004) but he chose to set his show in surroundings that fit the tenner of it. And that tenner is ”exactly what it says on the tin”.
Cochrane has a very easy stage manner and low Yorkshire lilt, which belays a sharp wit and an ability to turn topics such as food, shaving and the word wife in to things that will gently demand your complete attention for this hour. He eases from subject to subject, punctuating them with amusing angles and exudes a confidence that is just the right side of arrogant. He is also very funny. Spot of luck for a comic really you might say, yes, but he achieves something else as well. He has an innate ability to instill a feeling of catharsis when the stories err on the side of heart felt. This balance is hard to maintain and not have your audience look at you with either pity or those eyes that say ‘get over yourself!’
There were times when I noticed audience members on the verge of straying down this alley and as sure as eggs is egg’s Cochrane would bring them back round with a well placed line, a cheeky grin or use of his banish sadness device (you will have to see the show to understand).
There are many comedians who seem to be of a mould or type, Cochrane is no exception, but his is a mould that will not disappoint or make you feel his lines are hack. He is in the Kitson/O’Doherty mould, a rare breed of hybrid that does not extort laughs or catharsis and yet those feelings are prevalent throughout this thoroughly worthwhile hour of your life. Go and see him because more people need to understand what happens when you get away from the vapid set up and punch of some comedy. It’s a splendid feeling.
4/5
Peter Rates
