Why are you here? This was a question asked in the queue, as a slight uncertainty hung over the show.
This question is also a deeply existential one, and such questions were at the heart of Winning’s show. An academic climate science researcher, winning has tried to blend his professional interests with a love for stand-up comedy. He performed for a number of years at the Fringe before taking a break to help achieve “a bit more balance” in his life. This was his first tentative step back.
The show was essentially a climate science lecture (for a general rather than specialist audience), with humorous aspects emphasised. This is not easy given his general stance that we are heading towards “an unmitigated f’ing disaster”. Our way of life is under serious threat. These are not easy topics to draw humour from. One of the best sections was his response to the view that “Scotland could do with some climate change” as it would provide warmer temperatures. Winning told those of this view to be careful what they wished for as the likelihood was that climate change would, instead, lead to Scotland having far harsher winters, akin to those you might find in Canada.
Winning was very honest about the show, that it truly was the first draft of what will become his full show for next year. As he put it, “I apologise for anyone expecting a slick show”. This was the first day of a one week run. His plan was to try out ideas and, over the week, form a coherent basis for next year’s show. His assistant Sam had the task of noting down those ad libs that garnered the best audience reception. This, according to the fringe veteran Richard Herring, is very much how shows evolved in his day – in the 1990s. Today there is far greater expectation that shows will be more or less fully formed at the start of the month, with only minor bits of tweaking as the run progresses.
This was truly a work in progress. However, since Winning had been very honest with the audience, they were sympathetic. Some, starting to experience Fringe frazzle, seemed to appreciate the change of intensity. Only during a couple of sections (such as a slightly confusing cul-de-sac about The Batman Returns) did the threads loosen and the sympathy of the audience dropped a touch. Perhaps the best section was towards the end, on the Pope’s address to COP28. In this Pope Francis had said ‘Choose life, choose the future!’. Winning effectively reimagined this in Trainspotting style (Iggy Pop’s Lust for Life played as he left the stage). Such sections will hopefully become more prominent as he polishes his material.
Previously, Winning has performed at a number of paid Fringe venues, including Assembly and the Pleasance. Afterwards he commented that PBH’s Free Fringe gave him the freedom to “experiment without pressure”. He was also very grateful for the “excellent venue” at the Voodoo Rooms, one of the best Free Fringe venues.
Matt Winning: Solastalgia (Work in Progress)
PBH’s Free Fringe @ Voodoo Rooms – Speakeasy
2.00pm, Aug 20-25
