Edinburgh Fringe · @ComedyReviewer
21st Aug 2019 from TwitLonger
Ciarán Dowd: Padre Rodolfo
Once again I was really looking forward to Rodolfo and once again he didn’t let me down. Dowd’s cleverly crafted crowd-pleasing character was back and, as usual, his show was packed with laughs.
Things have changed since we last met the Spanish bull fighter; he’s now in the priesthood and battling the devil. This may all sound very odd, and it is! But you know what? He pulls it off. It’s a joyous hour and seems to be enjoyed by all.
I loved the story - it’s a follow up from last year's award winning hit but it's new and even more ridiculous. He has a way of making you feel involved and, as ridiculous as it is, you really get behind the character.
As usual Dowd lets the mask slip; purposefully and nonchalantly revealing his true accent whilst still in character. The balance between "I am this character" and "I'm clearly NOT this character" is just right. This means the audience are not just laughing at him, they're often laughing with him and I think it's this that helps the audience bond so quickly with Dowd's character.
This year’s show proves that there is a future for Rodolfo; if Dowd can think of it, Rodolfo can do it. I said last year that he is a brilliant addition to the many wonderful characters here in Edinburgh and I stand by that statement. He’s grown into a real Fringe must-see.
4 Stars ★★★★