After he had treated us to what felt like an interminable shock of opera, Boothby Graffoe took to the stage. It may have been quite apt this was the only show I have seen at this year’s Fringe with an operatic pre-show, as he is now a rather vintage experience – vintage with a twist however.
Well accustomed to being in a spotlight, thanks to appearances on his Radio 4 show, Channel 4’s ”Kings of Comedy” and 17 years on the stand up circuit, it seemed fitting then to have a multi-layered light show to accompany his songs.
As I stood up at the back of a packed Stand Comedy Club, it seemed as though he had done this to create some sort of self-deprecating Butlin’s feel to it all. He is a very statuesque figure with slightly manic eyes and accessible, but Roald Dahl-esque songs. I compare him to Roald Dahl because everything he decides to put his lyrical or anecdotal hands to have an edge. Sometimes it’ll creep up on you and other times squat on your face with unashamed glee.
I’m bored of seeing myself write this, but, the hour flew by, with songs ranging from the well known (Umbrella Head Boy) to ones I was not overly familiar with (Once is a mistake, twice is Jazz). On the musical side the guest spot filled by Nick Pin on violin was a bonus addition to a show that will not disappoint people of any age, nationality, or non-sedentary positioning.
He is a rare treat and all the better for being in a wonderful club like the Stand.
4/5
Peter Rates
