Paul Foot @ Underbelly, Cowgate

A mixed hour from the king of madcap

Review by Polly Glynn | 15 Aug 2016

Paul Foot’s shows are usually a delight to be immersed in, and although 'Tis a Pity is still a fun hour, mentions of big issues jar with the otherwise whimsical tone.

A waifish spaniel of a man, Foot remains a surreal wonder though. With sections involving punching a stuffed monkey, and a framework entitled ‘everyday surrealism’, you can’t not enjoy the fantastical non-sequiturs that just fall out of his mouth, and it's here where he's on top Foot-form.

The inclusion of more serious material (tackling rape and terrorism), however, doesn’t seem to sit right. It appears to burn a hole right through Foot’s perceived innocence, like a toddler dropping the c-bomb. Understandably, any comedian may want to take on these world problems in their own unique style, but Paul Foot isn’t any comedian. He’s a space comedian, suited better to otherworldly dealings.


Paul Foot: 'Tis a Pity She's a Piglet, Underbelly Cowgate (Belly Dancer), 4-28 Aug (not 15), 7.20pm, £6-12.50

http://www.edfringe.com