Phil Ellis kicks off by explaining that the title refers to his problems with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He says that the show was originally about trying to find a reason for his odd behaviour, but became an exploration of his family's problems.

With the use of a great 70s-style slide-show of snaps taken over many decades, he explains his family history. Photos of dodgy moustaches and fashions introduce various relatives - aunts, uncles, grandparents, parents, and non-related family members. He tells tales of his father's upbringing in a foster-home from hell, his mother's difficult childhood, and his evil grandfather. He expands on many extended-family members' difficult backgrounds.

In the second half of the show, he introduces a mini-version in game-show higher-or-lower format, with audience participation to determine whether people think family members died of anything more or less serious than a heart attack. He realises that he can't blame his family for his problems as they had too many of their own. He finishes with what he sees as the real reason for his troubles - a late children's TV personality captured on film with Phil and his brother.

The funniest pictures and observations occur at the start and end of the show, with a cleverly-edited naked picture of the host, an unusual family member's death and the children's celebrity photo. Many of the pictures are very funny without any explanation. That can be the problem, as some of the stories that follow - although interesting - don't add to the humour. Some segments meander, and the extended family which Phil Ellis presents becomes confusing, with so many new characters introduced.

Stories are delivered with honesty. They are touching and harrowing, with moments of humour to relieve the tension. Although the material may not sound funny, the use of funny pictures and the performer's humorous take on them stops the show from feeling like therapy. There are several puns thrown in throughout, but not too many to annoy or distract. The gameshow breaks the hour and adds variety. The performer has a laid-back, pleasant way, and it feels a lot like an evening down the pub with mates. But some of the stories would be better if edited. Phil Ellis's jokes linked to his personal memories work best, particularly when discussing his uncle's experience in an old peoples home, and his grandmother's dead body.

Cast Credits: Performer - Phil Ellis.

Company Credits: Writer - Phil Ellis. Director - Phil Ellis. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - uncredited. Company - Phil Ellis / Laughing Horse Free Festival.

END

(c) Helen Johnson 2008

reviewed Friday 1 August / Meadow Bar 2008

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com