Andrew Maxwell
Waxin'
Andrew Maxwell
Pleasance Courtyard @ 20:20, Aug 1-27 (not 8 or 15), (1hr), £12.50
(£11.00), £13.50 (£12.00)
****
Maxwell
says he has a bit of trouble sitting down and writing new material,
a little lack of commitment perhaps coupled with the inevitable distractions
that come with sitting at a computer. On top of this, he’s one
of those comedians whose delivery is so casual that their gig can feel
entirely spontaneous regardless of whether its content is cast in stone.
Andrew Maxwell is a fantastic natural talent at stand up comedy, although
he would tend to call himself a clown. He’s highly adept at playing
the audience, brimming with charisma, he’s a real joy to watch.
His deft skill stretches further however, I for one had no idea he was
so adept at slipping into accents. They trip off the tongue seamlessly
like they are all his own.
As with many comedians who’ve started families, the material is
starting to draw in the direction of fatherhood, responsibilities and
the clarity of children’s comments, but this does not take over
his act. It is a welcome new ingredient that adds depth and maturity
to the witty charm that was already there.
Much of his show stems from personal experience, the most notable one
this year being his chance encounter in a pub with members of the IRA
(even if they might not actually call themselves that). What becomes
a drinking session, soon turns into a commitment to perform and before
long he’s receiving text messages from the IRA! There's also a
pleasant little story spun about illegal swimming. Maxwell’s substantial
skill as a raconteur weaves us proficiently through these and a number
of other stories keeping the audience hanging upon his every word in
eager anticipation of his next related quip.
Maxwell has risen with ease through the ranks of the comedy circuit
to become a well known favourite. His arrival on stage is like the welcome
return of an old friend and you can feel a great warmth from the audience.
He is a reliably comfortable clown.
by
Ian Phillips
The
National Student's
2007 Edinburgh Festival Fringe
coverage is supported by
