Phil Nichol – The Simple Hour

Article by Simon Fielding | 13 Aug 2011

In a recent Skinny feature, Phil Nichol spoke of a need to go back to the simple elements of comedy following Edinburgh shows steeped in complexity and provocation. The result is The Simple Hour.

Never one to skirt around the edges of his material, Nichol's opening battery of Scots and London accents delivers the sharpest reference I've heard to the week's unfolding English riots. The quip demonstrates both his dynamic sense of drama and his subtle ability to graft current affairs into what is already vibrant and purposeful.

There's better yet. I'd be happy to watch Nichol play a full hour of guitar songs, and they provide the backbone of tonight's set. A song about the repertoire of emotions experienced by the Incredible Hulk is penetrating and exuberant, whilst a further tune about Eskimos demonstrates a staggering ability to merge styles with ease.

Nichol alludes to the space within these jokes to evolve over the coming weeks, and I don't doubt that a performer of his flexibility will be delivering increasingly stimulating shows by the end of the run. 

Phil Nichol – The Simple Hour Stand 5 5-28 August 8.50pm £9/10

http://www.thestand.co.uk