Supporting act Ben Hurley gave an extremely well-delivered opener: 'Just don't be shit; that's what you're thinking'. He was far from shit. His act was a social commentary on Aussies, South Africans and Irish who live in London - he's from New Zealand. He gave observations about British pub-culture - how the British are happy to drink themselves to vomiting, and eat cheesie chips afterwards. His best joke recalled the climax of a drunk night out: relieving himself in his bedroom wardrobe - and how he explained it to his girlfriend.

Ed Byrne had no fancy backdrop or light show - he came across as a comedian owning the space, on a very simple black-box stage. He opened by explaining where he had just been. He'd come tonight from The Secret Policeman's Ball Amnesty Gig, performing to 5,000 people at The Royal Albert Hall, London. If anything this improved his performance - he seemed on a massive high, which gave an electric atmosphere. He discussed class, and how society is affected by this. His comedy came from the precise moments which he clarified - with punch-lines fast and unrelenting. It would be hard to start to explain any of his jokes. The show had so much pace, and they were so prolific, that the performance was fully-engaging - without a moment to sit and think about its individual components. He talked about Michael Jackson, Goths, Emos, WAGs, and how they sold more DVDs than him. All felt perfectly rehearsed, with every delivery relaxed and flawlessly delivered.

Cast Credits: Ed Byrne - performer, main act. Ben Hurley - performer, support act.

Company Credits: Writer for Ben Hurley - Ben Hurley www.benhurley.com. Writer for Ed Byrne - Ed Byrne www.edbyrne.com. Director - (none). Technical Operator - Riverside staff. Producer / Company - Phil McIntyre Entertainment by arrangement with Vivienne Smith. PR - Claire Walker PR www.clairewalkerpr.com.

END

(c) Rebecca Talbot 2008

reviewed Saturday 4 October 08 / Riverside Studios, London

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com