Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2015 – Tony Law – Frillemorphesis ****

Tony Law doesn’t abide by stand-up comedy rules. His is a show full of skilful, absurd riffs that leave you wondering how he does it. While the show does have a broad set outline, Law’s seemingly carefree attitude means he changes it up when the mood strikes.

There are perceptions made that have you searching your soul. There are genius interactions with the audience. There is a horse’s head, and a magical hat. Occasionally Law gives the impression he’s not put much thought into the routine, but actually he knows what he’s doing.

There are stages, too, when the audience thinks he has fallen flat, yet this seems to be the modus operandi of a comic who almost always pulls it back. He knows what the crowd is thinking and addresses it in a way only Tony Law can, calming our fears and making us laugh at the same time.

At one point he quips that it must be impossible to review this show, and he’s not far wrong. It is self-aware comedy that, at stages, reveals a weary man who has faced some personal struggles. The show appears to be an organised mess of riffs and riotous tangents that go nowhere but fans of Tony Law know this is what makes him great.

His nonchalant persona, as well as the absurdity of his jokes, makes the man a unique commodity in the changing world of stand-up. At a time when panel shows are becoming the all too easy option, Tony Law shows there’s still life in the old dog yet.

The Stand Comedy Club 3 & 4 (Venue 12)
August 19-30
Time: 1pm (1 hour)