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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Paul Kerensa - iPaul: The Great Playlist Challenge
Verdict: Cheery, relaxed hour of comedy
Paul Kerensa presents, as he admits himself, a Dave-Gorman-style documentary comedy show in this enjoyable hour. After a bet in the pub from a friend, he says he has spent the last year listening to a different genre of music every month (and nothing else) to experience the effects on his life.
He covers a diverse range of music - rock, pop, classical, country, power ballads (his personal favourite) and weirdly TV theme tunes. As he works his way through the months, he changes outfits and/or props, with an accompanying visual presentation. He says that he's learnt the ukulele in a week in Edinburgh to go with one of his explanations. And he's made his own version of a music video - one of the show's highlights and very funny. He reveals his own secret pleasure in music, which he promises will be worse than anything anyone can offer. It is.
Twelve months in a 60-minute show doesn't give any one genre much time. Some of them are whistle-stop tours of the music, and warrant only one or two quick gags before he moves on. This is a shame, as some of the genres feel underexplored, and the whole theme of the show feels lacking in depth. But there are plenty of clever jokes, the odd pun (but he carries them off), and great pace.
Paul Kerensa ties everything together by coming to the conclusion that - if you want to get a rich musical experience - there is only one band that anyone needs to listen to. Millions may disagree, but it does provide a few laughs. Some may feel that the hour doesn't provide the answers to how different music can change lives, or give insight into what he learned - but the show is entertaining and funny. Paul Kerensa treats everyone to his own Rat-Pack song - including karaoke-style lyrics - providing a great upbeat ending to a cheery, relaxed hour of comedy.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Performer - Paul Kerensa.
Company Credits: Writer - Paul Kerensa. Director - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Good Sense of Humour in association with Noel Gay Artists.
END
(c) Helen Johnson 2008
reviewed Sunday 10 August 08 / Baby Belly 1, Edinburgh
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012