Tim Minchin and His Orchestra @ Edinburgh Playhouse, 17 April

Article by Ariadne Cass-Maran | 18 Apr 2011

Tim Minchin’s opening number is spectacular. There are flashing lights, there’s a full orchestra blasting, and Minchin is singing. But it’s hard to hear him, because the levels aren’t quite right, and his voice ends up lost in the bombast.

When Minchin says he’s always wanted to play with an orchestra, and that this show is an exercise in ego-stroking, we assume he’s joking, since that’s what he’s here to do. But it becomes apparent, as time goes on, that this is precisely what the show is about. He finally has his orchestra, but one that ends up being just a massive backing band for the same old material, rather than an intricately balanced collaboration.

The Heritage Orchestra is sublime, and the show is a work of beauty. But this is a night of great music, not great comedy. One of Minchin’s strengths is that his lyrics are subtle and often quick-fire, making it a huge shame that the orchestra drowns so many of the words out. It isn’t that big arenas kill comedy – not being able to hear the material kills comedy.

As for the material: this feels a little like a night of greatest hits, with some years-old songs proving great crowd pleasers – many of the greatest cheers come from recognition and anticipation. His well-established skeptical slant comes across, in one instance, as unkind and bitter rather than rational, but this is mostly counterbalanced by his more romantic numbers.

Sometimes there are moments of clarity, particularly when he sings in a higher register, preventing his voice from becoming lost in the orchestra. Sometimes there are moments of great comedy, particularly the more simple instances of stand-up. At all times there is great music – even when Minchin’s voice is just a nasal whine in an otherwise splendid noise. But the truly amazing moments when these three ingredients come together are all too rare.

If the orchestra is Minchin’s penis extension, I believe we have just watched it tower majestically and then slowly collapse on top of him: a unique and beautiful comedy suffocation.

Tim Minchin and His Orchestra, 18 Apr 7:30pm Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow; 19 Apr, 7:30pm, AECC Aberdeen, £35 + booking fee

http://www.timminchin.com