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The Pool Guy - Steve Daking
Verdict: Good trickshots, bad comedy timing
Edinburgh 06 - C Venues - 2-28 August 06 - 18:00 (0:50)
A voiceover tells a self-conscious story in mock crime-writing style. It isn't funny.
Steve Daking makes his appearance and tells his life story from age 15. He saw The Colour of Money, and wanted to be Tom Cruise. Steve Daking's material is mainly good - his timing is not. He does not exploit the full comic potential of his words.
His deadpan reading of some EC safety rules could work - revealed to be a signed photo of Sue Lawley - but it falls flat.
Steve Daking's non-threatening approach does get the audience involved. Someone provides drum rolls for the trick shots. Another passes props at high speed. And one lucky punter successfully takes part in a trick shot.
When a trick shot involving jumping a ball over six buses (model ones) fails, Sue Lawley is replaced. The next photo makes the next attempt successful.
Steve Daking's ability at the pool table is awe-inspiring. His attempt to complete as many trick shots as possible to a 3-minute 16-second music track results in 18 variations and 17 successes.
He talks the whole time, which is fine - his tone is friendly and conversational. Pauses would be welcome, and not feeding too much information. There is laughter-potential - the comedy is there, but very laboured. His repetition of 'That could come in handy in a game' doesn't work with an audience that doesn't know much about pool.
The Pool Guy is a very original show. It's waiting for Steve Daking's vocal timing and delivery to get as good as his shots.
Cast Credits: Written & Performed by Steve Daking.
Company Credits: Director - Heidi Parnell. Additional Material - Darren Kisner. Technical Operator - Heidi Parnell. Website - www.stevedaking.com.
END
(c) Peter Andrews 2006
reviewed 9 Aug 2006 / C Venues
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2009
