High-energy Des Clarke bounces on and engages throughout the show - though some of the bounce is reduced by tonight's humidity and heat. Asking people where they are from and about their worries and concerns seems like an introduction, but becomes a sustained and consistently funny examination of how some people would like to see the world change. Des Clarke asks 'What really annoys you?' and 'What would you do about it?', and seems deadly serious beneath the laughter. He recounts political leaders he has met, and their and his reactions. His conclusion is that he should talk to Nicola Sturgeon (Cabinet Secretary for Health & Wellbeing, Deputy First Minister, The Scottish Parliament) about concerns expressed by the audience.

Problems with wheelie-bins (wheeled refuse-collection bins provided by the local authority for domestic use) and tram works in Edinburgh (streets in Edinburgh are currently being dug up for a new tramway system) have come out of previous shows. In this performance, Des Clarke embarks on a journey round the country - with Glasgow, drug-addiction, Setanta (Setanta Sports GB; sports broadcaster which ceased trading in England, Wales & Scotland in 2009) and political correctness are on the agenda of 'Things we'd like to change'.

Des Clarke's humour is fed by exchanges with the audience: people from Dundee, Fife, Coventry and Kent have their own concerns and are persuaded to tell them. He skilfully manipulates the situation so that whatever is said in whatever context has the potential to be funny; once he has hold of that potential, laughter follows. Scottish subjects are looked at – the statue of Donald Dewar (1937-2000, the first First Minister of Scotland), and Irn Bru (popular Scottish soft drink). More universal themes develop through Toblerone (triangular-shaped European chocolate bar) at airports, and security questions at banks, and any popular moaning topics about the vagaries of life.

All feedback is reduced to six choices – choices that politicians should perhaps listen to - written on a board. The audience votes on their favourite and a winner is announced. Des Clarke creates a conviction that he will become a political voice, will speak for his audiences, and be listened to seriously by those in power. He develops his comedy routine on the hoof and takes it to unexpected places with significant undertones - with the ability to create laughter out of any situation.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Performer – Des Clarke.

Company Credits: Writer – Des Clarke. Technical Operator - Gadget. Producer - uncredited. Company - Des Clarke. Website - www.desclarke.com.

END

(c) Peter Andrews 2009

reviewed Monday 10 August 09 / Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com