Andy Zaltzman

 

If you thought Tommy Sheridan was the only left-wing firebrand touting his wares at the Fringe then you’ve quite clearly missed Andy Zaltzman’s one man attempt to revive intelligent political comedy.

Less fierce but no less dedicated than his Scottish comrade, Zaltzman uses an hour of your time to promote his thoughts on democracy, Bush, Blair, Brown and Iraq (what else?).

Held together by the faintly amusing notion that together the audience could strive to create a social utopia in a flea circus, the show sets about reinforcing those liberal concepts that, no doubt, we all need engraving on our minds. Apparently, America doesn’t care about climate change. Also, this just in, China doesn’t either. Did you know that David Cameron’s policies are very similar to Tony Blair’s? No? Then this might be the show for you.

Although often tinged with some giggle-inducing humour and competent improvisation, Zaltzman’s set largely falls flat. After a reasonable section of reviewer bashing, in which the comic grants his audience a five star rating (“attentive” – A. Zaltzman) to help them get into sold out shows, one critic leaves early. This one is hot on his heels.