Simon Brodkin: Still Not Himself

Since his last Edinburgh run, Simon Brodkin has written for and appeared in Al Murray's Multiple Personality Disorder. If working alongside one of the UK's most successful stand-ups has taught him anything, it's that performing in character absolves the comedian of any responsibility regarding how even their most questionable material is received. However, while this defence may effectively excuse the 'ironic' pub landlord's popularity amongst the British Right, it's harder to afford Brodkin's personal sensibilities the benefit of the doubt.

Indeed, one may feel uncomfortable on various levels as a character who comprises little more than smeared-on brown face paint and a cod-Asian accent, delivers a crass AIDS joke to a roomful of unthinking, knee-jerk applause. Though some have hailed Still Not Himself as a work teeming with sharp satire, it's hard to see exactly what Brodkin is satirising through the four characters he portrays. One, a privileged left-wing activist, is clearly intended as a parody of self-styled liberals who feign passion and interest in pet causes, largely to enhance their image. While Brodkin's portrayals of his character's tones and mannerisms are wonderfully observed, at times the comic appears to make light of the honourable issues espoused by 'H-Bomb', rather than the character himself.

Any concerns as to the performer's moral agenda are heightened upon the entrance of footballer Jason Bent, who serves to mock the sport's culture of hooliganism in a comparatively affectionate manner. By the time we meet trademark character Lee Nelson, it is clear that Simon Brodkin is an exceptional performer hampered by lazy writing and a dubious sense of judgement.