Edinburgh And Comedy

The comedy at this year’s Edinburgh Festival was every bit as thought-provoking, progressive and sublime in parts as it has been in past years. One of the acts definitely worth seeing was Sean Lock. I would recommend any one who is into comedy to try and see him if ever he is performing close to where you live.

He described his own show as refreshing, challenging, vertical and windy. You can make what you will of that last adjective, but he really did live up to the sort of expectation visitors to the Edinburgh Festival now have.

Another act this year which was intriguing as well as funny was Tom Roden’s New Art Club – a mesmerizing dance duo. It was surprising to discover that the actors were not just one-trick-ponies, they could actually dance as well as make their audience laugh. The scenes, whether deliberately mocking, or promoting contemporary dance, was constantly pushing barriers for originality and sense of humour.

Something slightly different but as funny, if not more enjoyable than nearly all of the other acts was Alex Horne’s Jazzy Comedy. Combining most of its music with comedy with great aplomb, the show generally set a different tone to the usual comedy acts most of us are so used to. It got away from the predictable stand-up themes. The musicianship was also brilliant and the poetry in-between the improvisations of the comics as they hurled orders and berated the Horne sections were unique.

Edinburgh’s Spotlight Best Comedy of 2010 winners was also a hit. Quiet Act Of Destruction took its audience on a hilarious and exhilarating journey through the sedate, for want of a better word, Cambridgeshire village of Meldreth.

If you would like to explore what the festival has to offer in terms of comedy, Ballater Hotel is a good place to stay and their prices are a bargain for the service they offer. You will also be glad to know that comedy seems to be moving from strength to strength with every year of the event. Perthshire Hotels might also have accommodation close to some of the festival acts. This year’s festival one will no doubt have a lot to offer all visitors, whether they are connoisseurs or just wanting try out the odd show.