FRINGE REVIEW: Andy White

I Think Therefore I Joke

It’s comforting to think that these days, with the credit cruch upon us, there is still such a thing as a bargain at the Fringe. The big venues may have their preview tickets and two-for-one deals but there are hundreds of completely free shows for the frugally-minded to take advantage of in the pubs and basements of Scotland’s capital during the month of August. Many are, quite frankly, rubbish, but there’s always the chance that you might find a comedy gem that you can brag to your friends about ‘discovering’ in years to come – Andy White could well be such a gem.

The Brummie stand-up has put together an immaculately constructed routine based on a number of philosophers – not a subject which automatically gets your funny-bone working overtime. It’s clever stuff but, any time it seems to be getting a little too cerebral, White is quick to reward the audience with a sharp line or stream of gags. One particularly strong section will make it hard for you to take Chris Rock seriously ever again. Some parts fall a little flat, but he’s confident enough in his material to be unhurried and unafraid to lay the groundwork for big laughs further on down the line.

This is likely to be the only show in Edinburgh where you can have an hour of entertainment while learning about the philosophical theories of, among others, Plato, Socrates, Kant and Descartes. And, if he finishes a little early, White also does a mean Tom Jones tribute!

David Hepburn

Andy White is appearing at the Argyl at 7.05pm until August 25.