JASON BYRNE - Assembly Hall (Sat 5th August)
This is Jason Byrne's tenth year at the Fringe and he'd promised a more scripted show than his usual manic improvised chaos. That's disappointing to hear in itself!
There is less audience interaction, but what there is is still comedy gold, as he picks upon an Ulsterman and a 16 year old kid in the front row and the gaggle of four posh Glasgow girls (I know, an oxymoron) just in front of us.
The manicness is still there for all to see though, as he goes through story after story, ranging from domestic chaos and confusing his dad to acting out the death of a pet bunny and his kid's persecution of his dog. Then there's a classic Brokeback Mountain routine that many of the men present will relate to.
The finale, which appears improvised but scripted, was the highlight as he recounts the whole previous hour in two minutes for an audience member's benefit and the tears do roll down your face.
There just appears to be something missing though this year, but maybe he's not firing on all cylinders yet. The faces and energies are still there, but Byrne should just drop some of the script and go back to what he excels at, for when he's interacting with a crowd and working the room, he's one of the best in the business.
BDH Rating: 3.5 / 5
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