Going to see a free show is always a bit of a concern. It really is luck of the draw and you either get to see something entertaining, or end up in a show that is so bad, you feel like crawling under your seat with embarrassment for the performer. But if you are planning to head off to see Andrew Ryan and Joe Lycett at The White Horse you will be in for a pleasant surprise.
Irish stand up comedian Andrew Ryan has the audience in hysterics and is amusing to watch. He is clearly comfortable on the stage, and engages directly with the audience. His “Father Dougal” impression from the Father Ted TV show is especially memorable, and his anecdote of meeting the actor, Ardal O’Hanlon in person, is particularly entertaining.
Joe Lycett is also enjoyable to watch. Unfortunately, his improvisation doesn’t work as well as it could. He hands an audience member an envelope with “topics” that are clearly thought out and planned as opposed to being improvised, which is a little disappointing. The audience is left feeling that perhaps he needs a memory jogger in the form of these topics, rather than using them to improvise. Knowing how highly rated he is, and what an extensive history of accomplishments he has, you may be expecting more from this “taster slot”. However, his anecdotes are amusing.
An intimate venue means that both comedians interact directly with the audience, who feel more like they are guests at a dinner with friends than at a show. However, both men clearly have so much potential and Fringe audiences would do well to watch out for them in the future. If each of them ups their game, they will both be a force to be reckoned with. Having said all that, it is an enjoyable way to pass an hour.
3/5 
Sandi Hunter
(1 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
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