If anyone can use a set consisting of a picture of a guillemot, a cartoon drawing of a dog and a swing, that’s John Hegley.
Hegley, presenting his usual energetic mix of performance poetry, song and comedy in his return to the Fringe, has a show where comedy is both irreverent and poignant, where you get the feeling he’s growing up a bit with the introduction of a couple of ‘more serious’ poems dealing with love and loss. His obvious pleasure in the play of words makes the show both clever and impossible not to laugh at. His deadpan delivery of absolutely bizarre observations on the animal world makes this show unique and leaves the audience smiling.
The viewers are happy to get involved and Hegley doesn’t embarrass anyone, but makes sure he includes his spectacled kin as usual. It’s a brilliant show if you’ve got kids with you and want to see some funny comedy that doesn’t involve expletives or offensive jokes.
The show loses momentum slightly halfway through with the introduction of a stilted piece he recently wrote, but in general Hegley’s warm manner, guitar strumming and constant movement kedps the audience laughing for the whole hour.
This is definitely a show not to miss. For people who’ve seen him before the last song will contain no surprises, but let’s face it – a good round of ‘Luton Bungalow’ is food for the soul!
4/5
Rachel Bower
