Maxx Eddy @ Gilded Balloon Patter House
In his debut Fringe hour, American standup Maxx Eddy proves himself as a ball of energy with bags of potential
“Check Your Manhood” is Maxx Eddy's summary of his debut hour. Innuendo intended, as is the want of the hard entrance from the upcoming American comic. Eddy's material is strong, with twisting anecdotes, a couple of risqué gags and a clear understanding of structure, callbacks and whimsy that tell of a comic who has been in the game much longer than he has. Yet it isn’t the material that is the leading takeaway from this show.
There are ways in which this is the fault of the writing – there's a lack of pacing, violently oscillating shifts in tone, and enough jokes that don’t land in the room to place Eddy on the back foot. Tackling themes of sexuality, family and romance, the constant wrestling of emotion highlights an actor as much as a comedian, although at times it feels unsure which side Eddy is prioritising.
But that’s not the main reason that his penmanship isn’t the headline act in Bi Meets World, as the writing is far beyond what should be expected from a Fringe debut. The reason his writing takes a backseat is the undeniable energy dripping from the comic. The charm, swagger, shame and confidence exuding off the performer is mesmerising. He's a dominating presence, completely at peace recounting his times at karaoke bars or confronting a school bully. He is simultaneously the arrogant American pastiche and the giddy, confused everyman. Nothing here is breaking new ground, but the sparkling packaging surrounding it is a joy to behold.
Eddy is a comic for the people; he is congenial, integrated, cheeky. For an American debut, his comedy feels instantly relatable to a Fringe audience, even when drifting into sordid anecdotes on Brazilian beaches or dominating the Twitch circuit. There’s a relatability to Eddy, as a loud guy just trying to find his place.
For a debut, this is incredibly strong, but the potential to be better is tantalisingly close. We cannot wait to see Maxx Eddy on massive billboards, able to say we were there first.
Maxx Eddy: Bi Meets World, Gilded Balloon Patter House (Blether), until 31 Aug, 5pm, £13.50/£12.50