Edinburgh Fringe · @ComedyReviewer
12th Aug 2018 from TwitLonger
David Earl is Brian Gittins: Don't Feed The Monkey Man #edfringe #review
David Earl is Brian Gittins: Don't Feed The Monkey Man
Comedy Reviewer 6/10
Edfringe 3 stars ★★★
It's always difficult to review a show when it relies heavily on audience interaction. David Earle's character Brian Gittins has minimal rehearsed material that he only uses if really needed. The show is bizarre and, to be honest, I would not have expected anything less from the character. Actually, I would be left disappointed if it wasn't.
As you take your seats you know you're in for something unusual; the music that is playing sounds homemade and a little manic. It takes Brian five minutes to actually get on stage as he does the first section from behind the wall, interacting with an audience he can't see. Once on stage things only get stranger.
It's uncomfortable at times but it's supposed to be; these shows are written in a way that tests the audience while the performer thrives on the uncomfortable situations.
The audience highlight is the "Dorothy Perkins" game, but my personal highlight was seeing old prop masks that were used back in 2009 as they remind me of my first encounter with Earle's character.
Uncomfortable at times (if not throughout) and wonderfully funny in places, however his humour isn't for everyone. For the ones that "get" it, this show is made all the more special by the confusion of those who don't.