An ordinary man at war with the every day world – that is the theme of Ed Byrne’s latest show, and the man certainly has a few issues to get off his chest. Drawing his inspiration from the Michael Douglas film “Falling Down”, Byrne issues are the one’s almost everyone can relate to, which makes it impossible not to like him. He covers everything, from shops selling Christmas decorations in August to Thomas Cook holidays, with Jade Goody and James Blunt coming in for a particular pasting. Even though these are not the most original of topics, his pace and wit mean you get carried along and find yourself trying to memorise lines to use in the pub later.
Some might feel that a bit more audience interaction would give the show that extra spark, as it is the moments when Byrne leaves the comfort of his prepared routine that his keen intelligence and observational skills come to the fore. But this is just a small quibble, and with a reputation for sharp one-liners and possibly one of the best entrances at The Fringe this year, it is no surprise that almost every performance so far has been sold out.
4/5
Kelly Mauchlen
