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drinks Monday 3 November 08
The Clap Clinic
Verdict: Inspirational comedy
London - Chats Palace - March/April 03
Clap Clinic's a set of comedy nights from It's Alright For Some. Tonight (alpha order) Steve Hall, Sam 'n' Emma, Gary Le Strange, The Trap present extracts from their acts - in preview of Edinburgh 03.
This report concentrates on Steve Hall and Gary Le Strange. Full shows of The Trap and Sam 'n' Emma are reviewed separately, with tonight's material summarised below.
The Trap perform Sleeping Baby, Jeremy Limb's William Tell, the Doctor/Pub/Rape sketch, a manic game sketch involving Monty Python's de Souza theme, Dan Mersh Reads, Paul Litchfield as Cigar Man, and a stunning sketch involving musical wine-glasses. Magnificent.
Sam 'n' Emma perform four sketches: So Bleedin' Careful, Pole Dancers, Arctic Cannibals, and Pop Tart. Wonderful, sexy, and disgusting.
Steve Hall delivers a towering stand-up set. The rest of the night's acts are character comedy, so he's alone as himself, and masterful with it. He's tall and slim, good-looking, in black jeans, yellow shirt, leather jacket and trainers, with a soft drink in a pint glass, and his opening topic's eating disorders.
His mouth distorts 'like a kitchen plunger of love' - usefully - 'I can suck my own cock'. His Godmother's analysis of his past act wasn't encouraging 'You spent the first half saying you were a loser, and the second half proving it.' Godmother? 'I'm racially Jewish, but brought up a catholic'. Stand-up was a logical progression.
Steve Hall's refreshing, witty and extremely funny. It's partly from the words, which are subtly crafted, partly from the diversity of material. Tonight he covers St John's Gospel, getting mugged, ejaculating over a platonic girlfriend ('It's no good crying over spilt milk') - and that's just in the first few minutes. Warm, engaging, a fine and witty comedic talent.
It's by way of understatement to say that Gary Le Strange's appearance catches the eye.
There's a tartan kilt, black Doc Marten boots, black tights, black bolero waistcoat, white frilly-fronted silk shirt, loose mauve top, white powdered face, red lipstick smeared off the side of his mouth, black forehead scar, a beauty spot and black cross on his cheek, blond hair swept back, black left glove, mascara.
And remarkable songs - because Gary's a singer first, discreet dresser second. First up's 'Ballerina'.
And a welcome. 'Greetings Warriors' to Gary's 'Byronic Land of Pop'. Warriors, because, as Gary's quick to point out, it's warpaint he's wearing, inspired by the Comedia Del Arte. Just don't say New Romantic. He's a Neo-Regency Face Warrior - 'Fashion, not bombs, is my weapons'.
Time for a song: 'Is My Toaster Sentient?' The opening line 'Sitting in a gas mask / Waiting for World War Three to begin' sets the tone. It's a fine set, including JG Ballard's cat-love, Nazi Stormtroopers, alienation, make-up. And songs, including the finale, Grey.
Gary's voice is - indescribable. Fans of his alter ego, London-circuit character-comedy actor Waen Shepherd, are in for a treat. Gary Le Strange's Edinburgh Show, Polaroid Suitcase (from which this set is extracted), will win him many more.
Credits (alpha order): Steve Hall. Sam 'n' Emma (Samantha Sanns and Emma Taylor). Gary Le Strange (Waen Shepherd). The Trap (Jeremy Limb, Paul Litchfield, Dan Mersh). Company - It's Alright For Some. Producers - Zena Barrie and Michelle Flower.
END
John Park
reviewed Saturday 19 April 03 / Chats Palace
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008
