Ian Macpherson - guesting in this show - opens with a long dramatic pause, then launches at a stately pace into alternative musicals for different religions, euthanasia kits and the jazz triangle. Along the way his experience of 'ed and breakfast' in Glasgow and buskers in Belfast is related in the same broken, unfinished sentences.

It's humour that creeps up gradually and effectively, as a Catholic turnip, Sigmund Freud and Seamus Heaney make their presence felt. It's gentle and uncomplicated without any swearing, and produces knowing smiles rather than belly laughs. The range of subjects he covers is wide and eclectic - a Muslim girl, stand-up in China and pocket Braille. Finally he launches into his power ballad 'Song For The World' which is a twisted version of some kind of real song.

Arnold Brown likes where he is and so does his Uncle Harry. The delivery is slow, no f-words, aimed at an older audience. His sly observations of life and the search for happiness steadily goes to strange places. Only Arnold Brown knows the weird way the world can misinterpret his best intentions and those of his Uncle Harry. When it comes to working a DVD player, biting nails or filling in a Council Tax form they are experts at being misunderstood. He breaks in and out of the story he is telling to direct some comment at the audience and seamlessly returns. What do dolphins wake up next to? Why should people really like animals? And What is on page three of the Koran? These all have his slow acerbic wit applied - and unlikely answers emerge.

He verges on the edge of PC but with finger-tip control never plunges over the edge - though his view of women, Jews, Catholics and The Orange Order come close. The anti-Jewishness he detects in the front row has to be seen to be believed.

It's a show of gentle comedy with the appearance of being old fashioned. But hidden within are sharp objects handled with care, and a modern take on the lack of happiness in the world.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Arnold Brown. Ian Macpherson.

Company Credits: Writer / Director - individual performers. Technical Operator - Venue Staff. Producer - uncredited. Company – Stand Comedy Club. Websites - www.thestand.co.uk - www.arnoldbrown.me.uk - www.ianmacpherson.net

END

(c) Peter Andrews 2008

reviewed Thursday 7 Aug 08 / The Stand, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com