Kwame Asante @ Pleasance Courtyard

A slick debut hour from a former Chortle Student Comedy Winner

Review by Polly Glynn | 07 Aug 2017

Kwame Asante's laid back flow and delivery make him an eminently likeable stage presence, and the details in his accounts of being a junior doctor, of mistaken identity and being a bad boyfriend showcase his potential.

At one point Asante mentions he likes being silly on stage, but his jokes seem anything but silly. Sure, they're charming and lighthearted, and the flow is smooth, but they never really stray into the surreal. In contrast, the ending to the show – an alternative Brexit reality – is surprisingly madcap. And, although inconsistent when compared to the rest of the hour, it is a refreshing and original take on the current political climate.

Asante shows off his clear potential and has an eye for a well written observation. There's not quite enough for the audience to sink their teeth into and it is a little more predictable than it needs to be, but Open Arms is perfect for an hour of relaxed, non-challenging comedy.

This review is based on an opening night preview performance.

Kwame Asante: Open Arms, Pleasance Courtyard (Bunker Two), 2-27 Aug (not 16), 6.45pm, £7.50-£10 http://www.pleasance.co.uk