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MOST POPULAR LINKS... FRONT PAGE... MONTHLY DRINKS NIGHT
Free - Lunchtime Life Lessons
Verdict: Coaching laughter
Edinburgh 06 - 6-26 Aug 2006 - 13:10 (1:00)
Padraig Hyland is a comedian and life coach, and combines both in the show.
Acknowledging the Irish stereotype, he does some thicko material, which doesn’t really do him justice – though there are some fabulous lines: 'I was doing the crossword. Colouring it in.'
He says that a fundamental idea behind life-coaching is that belief influences behaviour. He decides to take on the belief that the audience can or should only laugh at something that’s funny to their intellect.
He gets the audience rubbing their thighs to 'get the mind into the body'. Next it's into the 'Dungeon of Laughter' – or small side area – to laugh. There are practice-laughs. There's the distinction between a Ho-Ho-Ho, a Ha-Ha-Ha, a Hee-Hee-Hee, and a Who-Who-Who. It's where in the body the laugh comes from. Then it's lying on the floor – on a protective bin bag – laughing. Just laughing. Uncontrollably – to the point of tears in a few eyes. This is what he's promised - but people are surprised that it has worked.
He explains that as adults, people learn to stop themselves laughing. Often they think a joke is funny, but not that funny, so it's time to stop the laughter. He recommends carrying on laughing - to energize, to help the immune system, to relax. He suggests trying the laughter exercises before interviews, and watching TV comedy when ill.
Cast Credits: Padraig Hyland.
Company Credits: Writer - Padraig Hyland. Part of the Free Fringe, with a collection going to STEP – a charity organising football for those with special needs. PBH Free Fringe.
END
(c) Gill Smith 2006
reviewed Tuesday 23 August 06 / Laughing Horse @ Jekyll & Hyde
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2010
