Felix Dexter's comedy follows the theme of misplaced racial stereotypes and the life of a well-educated middle-class black man in Britain. He begins with some observations of his childhood, taping music from the radio and listing to his mother's Jim Reeves vinyl records. He compares the old fashioned technology with modern advancements such as mobile phones and social networking sites. This leads to a well-worked skit on how William Shakespeare would deal with texting and FaceBook. He continues with material about his drama-school background and aborted legal career. He uses his experiences to poke fun at the way ethnic minorities are expected to behave in certain traditionally white-dominated careers.

Unfortunately, when he gets into the main segment of his act, which is heavily reliant on the colour of his skin rather than genuine comedic material, he seems to lose his way. A lack of variety means that references to black culture become repetitive over the hour, while a lurid story about accidentally becoming stuck in a brothel is baffling and lacking in any humour.

There are also a fair few awkward moments when his world-view seems to be completely out-of-step with reality. Does he really believe that he could 'go down to Brixton and throw a net over 20 black girls who would have more talent that Amy Winehouse'? Material suggesting that American presidential candidate Barack Obama has a good chance of getting assassinated and would not get the same protection as former presidents also seems ill-judged and churlish. His assertation that he wants to see a 'proper black president with a spear and a bone through his nose' feels more bizarre than satirical.

There are some creditable pieces of comedy - particularly a segment on the difference between English and Scottish cabbies - but there are several points when he seems guilty of judging other races, particularly Asians and Poles, with the same broad brush he seems to be railing against just minutes later. This confused narrative spoils the flow of the show - which is scattered with some gems of observation and several well-placed pot-shots at the world's major religions.

Felix Dexter's delivery of material is immaculate and professional. His theatrical training is obvious in the way he holds the stage, and he's a skilled impressionist - his Trevor McDonald voice in particular is spot-on. But his warm demeanor and easy repartee are not enough to redeem a show which all-too-often fails to practice what it preaches.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Felix Dexter - Performer.

Company Credits: Writer / Director - Felix Dexter. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - uncredited.

END

(c) David Hepburn 2008

reviewed Thursday 7 August 2008 / Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com