Edinburgh comedy: Dr Brown/ Tony Law - review

 
26 August 2012

Dr Brown

****

Underbelly

Edinburgh 2012 will be remembered for its Lunatic Fringe. Shows that have pushed the definition of comedy to breaking point have created the greatest buzz and Dr Brown, alias American physical clown Phil Burgers, has made the biggest noise despite being almost silent. His barnstorming wordless performance Befrdfgth might befuddle spellcheck software but it deservedly picked up a Foster’s Comedy Award nomination.

The robe-clad Brown plays havoc with expectations from the very start when he romps around the room stealing possessions like a malevolent Mr Bean.

From there he initially seems to be essaying random mimes. Something biblical, something vulgar, something violent. Yet gradually a narrative forms and when an audience member gets involved the fun hits top gear.

This is the most fearless, full-impact festival appearance I have seen in recent years.

Tony Law

The Stand

****

Another prize-nominated oddball is Tony Law, who has a marginally closer grip on normality than Brown. With his magnificent explorer’s beard and antique clothes the London-based Canadian resembles a member of the 1908 Olympic team and delivers the kind of deliciously demented stream of consciousness you might get if you put Harry Hill and Sean Lock in a blender.

Law has been gigging for more than a decade but this is his most accomplished set to date, complete with musical comedy, wry jabs at the fashion for shock humour, accents, lovely self-mocking asides and a grandstanding finish which is all the more absurd given that he is in a tiny basement at lunchtime. Law would win an award for best beard but it would be great to see Brown get the Comedy Award when the winner is announced tomorrow.

(Until Aug 27/26, 0131 226 0000, edfringe.com)

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