Steve Williams knows how to greet. Full of compliments and questions, his friendly and informal approach reassures. Without trying too hard or grasping for ad-libbed gags, his relaxed confidence gains trust, so that the first few minutes of his act feel anecdotal, his matey patter complimenting his material well.

Steve Williams's set combines the sharing of apparently true(ish) stories, like giving up drinking, ex-girlfriends and his dad's attitude to seatbelts, with absolute fictions about using a pig's penis to open a bottle of wine and how a dolphin uses his/her inhaler. This works because his honest observational style contrasts brilliantly within his more surreal and ridiculous set-ups. Even when he strays on to the hackneyed topic of British stereotypes, the tinge of absurdity with which he spices his ideas ensures he is never boring.

Binge Thinking is more title than concept, and although Steve Williams refers to it, his hour is really an unconnected collection of musings and imaginings. But then, maybe that is binge thinking? Either way, the show has two moments of genius: his tirade on Marks & Spencer's hot-cross-buns 'as featured on TV'; and his Liverpudlian dolphin's knock-knock joke finale. It raises the overall success of the show by creating a massive high. From his meandering warm-up, Steve Williams labours towards his climax with expertise, and while being rather a safe comic, maintains an excellent sensitivity.

Cast Credits: Performer - Steve Williams.

Company Credits: Writer - uncredited. Director - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited.

END

(c) Sara Pascoe 2007

reviewed Wednesday 15 August 2007 / Underbelly

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com