| 07 August 2011
Though an aquatic disaster is one of the highlights of the show, Paul McCaffrey is unlikely to rock any metaphorical boats with his approach to stand-up. His engaging storytelling is crafted with intelligence, yet is far from pretentious; devoid of gimmickry, yet often deliciously inventive. The material is principally confessional and self-deprecatory, and, though there are a few customary ‘now I don’t know about you, but...’ observational moments, McCaffrey’s smart follow-up turns of phrase invest the formulaic with fresh incredulity.
McCaffrey’s hour of candid personal tales is tightly packed, conscientiously composed and respectfully well-rehearsed. Such traits might seem unremarkable but are surprisingly lacking from many festival acts who, in the absence of expected laughter, often simply repeat their lines at a higher volume, their speech slowed like that of an arrogant holidaymaker. No such repetition or impatience from McCaffrey, whose affable but professional presence gifts the audience the confidence to follow his happily convergent anecdotes.
The small venue works well for McCaffrey’s intimate, almost conversational style, though he’s surely headed for bigger, better stages in years to come. That said, his use of the space is often ingenious and pulls us masterfully into each lively vignette. This show isn’t going to challenge anyone’s preconceptions, and it probably won’t excite the commercial judges, but McCaffrey’s honest, articulate performance is impeccably delivered and consistently funny. Meta-comedy this isn’t, but for me it was a delightfully satisfying experience, and (finally!) a great example of what the festival has to offer.
Paul McCaffrey: Saying Something Stupid, Underbelly @ Cowgate, 5-28 Aug (not 15), 6.20pm
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
