Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2016 Review: Andrew Maxwell – Slight Return *****
Andrew Maxwell returns to Edinburgh – at the insistence of his young daughter – to deliver a wonderfully humorous take on the world at large in one of the favourites of the Fringe this year.
Our ‘clown for the evening’ as he introduces himself to the packed Assembly Theatre crowd, discusses a range of topics from Brexit (well, it wouldn’t be a Fringe 2016 show without it), the rise of the Scottish Tories (I may not have been wearing red jeans, but I was cheering inside), Trump (lets beat that Mean Girl drum, everyone) and the recent Olympics in Rio.
The latter allowing Maxwell the opportunity impart his knowledge of a city to which he is no stranger. Indeed, he endeared the locals in the crowd with his comparison of Wester Hailes to the Brazilian city which hosts spectacular mountain views, but where no-one lives past 30!
The weather at Fringe time falls foul of the Irishman’s sharp wit as he sits perched centre stage on his stool for the bulk of an hour where he offers a fine blend of anecdotes, thought provoking chat and sheer hee-hawing hilarity.
Maxwell clearly enjoys sharing his soul with his audience and he delivers his repertoire with a near permanent smile, a mark of a comedian on top of their game.
But it’s Calum in the Commie Pool and Finnish sauna time that bring out the biggest of belly-laughs of the night – I’m still chuckling as I type this review (don’t judge me!).
As the bell almost rings on class in the lecture theatre venue, there’s just about time for Maxwell to make the crowd sit up and await a final punchline moment. Except the one about the Irishman and the Egyptian Muslim Wife is no joke. But in typical Maxwell fashion, he still manages to squeeze in a cheeky line before bringing the curtain down.
Andrew Maxwell is at Assembly George Square Theatre, 20.30h, until 28th.