Matt Green delivers a few musings on why God hates comedy and loves rioting and some other topical references and then it's onto the show proper. He covers a wide range of topics in his fifty-five minute slot, ranging from the weirdest place he's ever done a gig (a royal palace) to why he doesn't like Churches (blame Tesco) and his feelings on the Olympics. The possibility of him perhaps causing the current financial crisis is also flaunted, as is the potential for him to be accused of the terror attacks on America. Some of it perhaps a bit off-topic from the main theme of his show, but enjoyable nevertheless.

The most striking thing about Matt Green as a comic is his astute observations on the world. The natural human tendency to gravitate towards novelty and the Western obsession with what he terms 'junk information'- something he knows all too much about, being apparently (UK entertainment magazine) Heat's 'Crap Spot of the Week' in September 2010. He poses some very interesting points on how the general public receive information, already predefined by their interests - as opposed to being open to news outside of their social sphere. All very clever, conceptual stuff, articulated extremely well, but more smile and nod comedy than hearty laughter. In saying that, his tales of distracted sex in Singapore (and the accompanying mimes) are definitely worth a chuckle.

Matt Green is clearly very intelligent. He is also quite a sweaty man. He is aware of, and acknowledges both (apparently he has a low melting point). His performance is formed of a series of often quite interesting facts, such as how (internet search engine) Google works and how (UK local government) councils decide their spending in relation to the happiness of a particular area. The comedy then comes from his asides and different spins on the information he delivers. Again, his interpretations are amusing, but require a certain level of concentration and awareness of current affairs that may not be to all tastes. It is rare to come out of a comedy gig with a slightly different take on the way of viewing the world, and for that, Matt Green should be commended. Perhaps not in terms of his comic genius, but for the interesting way he conceptualises his subject of the current 'age of distraction'.

Any man who can stand up, educate slightly and still have respect after referring to sex as doing 'the naughty' and referencing his 'Duke of Cambridge' is clearly doing something right. His financial-services jokes may be a bit off (he claims to have only just grasped Home Economics, never mind any other kind), ditto those about official sponsors of the Olympics, but Matt Green comes across as a charming, likeable guy who puts people at ease with his inoffensive presence and articulate comedy.

Cast Credits: Matt Green - Performer. Website - www.mattgreen.org.

Company Credits: Writer - uncredited. Director - uncredited. Technical Operator - uncredited. Producer - Claire Walker. Company - uncredited. Website - www.clairewalkerpr.com. Website - www.rbmcomedy.com.

END

(c) Emma MacLennan 2011

reviewed Wednesday 10 August 2011 / Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh, UK

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012

www.fringereport.com