Will Franken: Things We Did Before Reality

Review by Bernard O'Leary | 10 Aug 2012

You know those old cartoons where people would reach into a bag and pull an array of bizarre objects, like typewriters and pianos and horses? Will Franken's head is a bit like that. This show consists of one or two minute long sketches and characters, all wildly varied, and Franklin calmly segues between them with a remarkable deadpan.

There are some real treats, like the string of celebrities calling Michael Caine's house and the homophobic quilt makers of America. The hits outnumber the misses, although there are a few lulls during the show; possibly a slight sense of exhaustion from the crowd who seem to find the pace of the whole thing a little exhausting. Franken himself, though, is so calm it sometimes doesn't even look like he's doing a show.

It's only towards the end that he breaks character and speaks directly to the audience. Although this is contrary to the spirit of his show, it leads to some of his best moments, as he's got quite a considerable warmth about him. Some flaws and a slight feeling of having everything including the kitchen sink thrown at you, but ultimately a remarkable and hilarious show.

Will Franken: Things We Did Before Reality, Just The Tonic, until 26 August (not 14), 22:35, £11/£10 http://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/things-we-did-before-reality