Tom Ward @ Pleasance Courtyard
Tom Ward plays it a touch too safe in an otherwise very promising debut hour
A couple of years ago Tom Ward impressed at the BBC Radio New Comedy Awards, to the extent that of the many 'hotly anticipated' debut shows at the Fringe, this one warrants the claim.
He ambles onstage to the strains of The Smiths, unfolding his show with some pitch-perfect audience interaction. In turn, this sets up some inspired material midway through the set – particularly when taking the form of a less obnoxious episode of Jeremy Kyle, albeit with household objects debate their problems, rather than people. Ward has a lovely turn of phrase too and his poetic delivery is paired with surreal punches.
Ward also knows the value of a good prop, particularly the one which transforms him into a caricature of his caring mother. It's all quite refreshing, and he's perhaps at his best when he relaxes into his routines and takes his time, rather than reaching for a slick newcomer's hour.
It is where this show seems more rehearsed that it also seems more uncertain, unevenly straddling observation, impressions and the oddball segments peppered throughout the set. For someone as obviously talented as Ward, Sex, Snails and Cassette Tapes could perhaps afford to be bigger, ballsier and a lot more baffling. However, given a chance to stretch his legs over the run, this could be a good start indeed.
Tom Ward: Sex, Snails and Cassette Tapes, Pleasance Courtyard (Cellar), 3-28 Aug (not 15), 9.45pm, £6-9.50